Appearing on JTBC's "Genre Only Yeouido,"
Don Spike Shares His Recent Life After Release
Composer Don Spike (real name Kim Minsoo), who served two years in prison on drug charges, appeared on television just four months after his release. He stated, "I think I survived because I got caught," emphasizing both the dangers of drugs and his determination to stay clean.
Don Spike appeared on the JTBC YouTube talk show 'Jangreuman Yeouido.' Photo by JTBC from 'Jangreuman Yeouido' capture.
On July 24, Don Spike appeared on the JTBC YouTube talk show "Genre Only Yeouido," marking his first broadcast appearance since completing his sentence and being released at the end of February. He appeared alongside Nam Kyungpil, former governor of Gyeonggi Province and current leader of the drug prevention and recovery organization Eun-gu, and spoke candidly about his recent life and feelings. Host Jung Youngjin clarified, "The two guests are not here to return to politics or the entertainment industry," and explained, "They are here to raise awareness about the seriousness of drug abuse."
Regarding how he first started using drugs, Don Spike said, "I began because of encouragement from people around me and out of curiosity. Most people initially believe they can control themselves, but at some point, they cross the line and their lives fall apart."
He explained the circumstances that led him to use drugs again after first being caught for marijuana use in 2010: "After I was first caught, I started working in broadcasting and stayed away from drugs for a long time. But right before the COVID-19 pandemic, I was encouraged by those around me and relapsed. I was going through a vulnerable period, dealing with stress from bad events. I think I was careless and took things too lightly."
About his life after release, he shared, "It's been about four months since I got out (of prison), and I've been spending time with my family and attending group recovery meetings for addicts. We share our stories and exchange words of support and advice."
He remarked, "Honestly, drugs are like a magnet. If you've used drugs, you already have that magnetic pull. The magnetism doesn't disappear; it stays inside you. But I believe I can choose, with my own will, not to go anywhere near metal in the first place." He added, "Even though I feel sick and tired of it and never want to go through this again, I believe I have to be careful for the rest of my life."
When asked if he regrets his drug-related crimes, Don Spike said, "I'm in my late forties, but it feels like everything has been reset. Everything I've done and achieved in my life has disappeared."
He continued, "If there's anything I've gained from this incident, it's that I survived because I got caught. If I hadn't been caught and had continued to use drugs in hiding, I strongly believe I would be dead by now."
He went on to say, "I'm sure there are still people who feel uncomfortable seeing me, and I want to sincerely apologize again for causing trouble. I wanted to share that this is the path one must take to recover from addiction," bowing his head in apology.
Don Spike, who debuted as a guest pianist for the group Wichi and later worked as a composer, gained popularity through television appearances and restaurant management. However, in September 2023, he was sentenced to two years in prison for charges including methamphetamine use. He was first caught for marijuana use in 2010, and in October of the same year, he received a one-year prison sentence with two years of probation for a separate drug offense.
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