"Claimed Forced Drug Administration in the Philippines"
Evidence Videos Submitted
Police: "Insufficient to Prove Coercion"
Freelance announcer-turned-broadcaster Kim Najung claimed that she was forcibly made to inhale drugs in the Philippines, but it was revealed that she was sent to the prosecution without detention by the police.
On the 24th, the Narcotics Investigation Division of the Gyeonggi Northern Provincial Police Agency announced that Kim was sent to the prosecution without detention on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act (using methamphetamine and synthetic marijuana). Earlier, in November last year, Kim Najung stirred controversy by posting on social media before departing from Manila, Philippines, "I confess to having used drugs in the Philippines." She showed signs of incoherence, saying, "Late at night, airport staff, passengers, and immigration were all filming me, and like in The Truman Show, I tried to avoid the drug smuggling incident by throwing away all my carry-on and bags," and "Because of my delusions of grandeur, I feel like I will die somehow, so I can't board the plane."
Immediately after returning to Korea, Kim Najung was investigated for about two hours at Incheon International Airport, and it was reported that she tested positive for methamphetamine in a simple drug test. Later, through her legal representative, she issued a statement saying, "I visited the Philippines to promote beauty products and launch an underwear brand, where I met a young businessman, Mr. A, and the rumors about a 'sponsor' are not true." Kim Najung's side claimed, "While somewhat intoxicated from drinking, for unknown reasons, Mr. A tied my hands and blindfolded me," and "During that process, Mr. A made me inhale smoke, and when I tried to avoid it, he forced me to inhale the smoke using something like a 'tube'."
The lawyer explained, "There is a video on Kim Najung's mobile phone capturing the situation at the time, and through this video, it can be proven that Kim Najung was in a state unable to resist," adding, "She confessed to drug use to urgently request rescue, not to admit voluntary drug use." Furthermore, the lawyer requested, "Since Kim Najung is in the position of a victim, we intend to correct this in the subsequent procedures. We ask that other speculations be refrained from and that you support her."
Kim Najung's side submitted evidence videos claiming forced drug inhalation during the investigation process to the police, and the police reportedly conducted analysis work for about three months after receiving the materials. A police official stated, "We cannot disclose the nature or content of the materials," but added, "We judged that there was insufficient evidence to prove coercion." Currently, the police have requested the headquarters' international-related case department to investigate the local businessman in the Philippines mentioned by Kim.
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