"'Yoo Ah-in's Acquaintance' Haermon: 'I Pretended to Smoke Due to Marijuana Pressure, I Reflect on It'"

Posted a handwritten statement on SNS
"No drugs in my life from now on"

YouTuber Hearmon (Kim Woo-jun, 33), who was prosecuted for smoking marijuana in the United States along with actor Yoo Ah-in (Eom Hong-sik, 38), has made a statement.

YouTuber and actor Yoo Ah-in (Eom Hong-sik, right)’s hairstylist, Hairmon. Screenshot from Hairmon's Instagram

On the 6th, Hearmon posted a handwritten statement on his social media platform Instagram. He said, "In early November, the investigation and judgment of the case were completely concluded, and I would like to now express my position." He continued, "I was investigated for marijuana smoking charges in 2023. As a result, it was judged that the start of marijuana smoking was due to continued requests despite my refusal, as reported in the media, and I received a notification of no charges."

He added, "Regarding the part where I put marijuana to my mouth afterward, I took two puffs to pretend to smoke, and the National Forensic Service's detailed test result was negative, but the fact of smoking itself was recognized, and I was sentenced to a fine." He also said, "The investigative agencies and the court considered that it was due to the recommendation of a third party, that it was not habitual, and that I cooperated actively during the investigation and consistently testified. However, I clearly understand that this result was caused by my failure to respond wisely in any situation, so I sincerely reflect on all my mistakes, completed the education, and paid the fine without delay. I swear that I have never used any drugs in my life other than this, and I will never do so in the future."

He continued, "After the controversy, many people were confused by the channel maintenance and the content uploaded so far." He said, "I repeatedly stated that I would immediately stop operating the channel after suddenly receiving the investigation request, but the investigative agency asked me to operate the channel as usual because stopping the channel operation could cause confusion in the investigation of other related cases. However, I am sorry if this caused greater hurt to you all. I accept the criticism from many people and will reflect more deeply."

Hearmon is a YouTuber and Yoo Ah-in’s hairstylist. In January, he was investigated for smoking marijuana (violation of the Narcotics Control Act) while traveling in the United States with Yoo Ah-in and acquaintances. The court considered "that he smoked marijuana due to the active recommendation of the group, that there was no habitual use, and that the amount smoked was small," and sentenced him to a fine of 5 million won and ordered 40 hours of rehabilitation education.