'Icon Withdrawal' B.I Tests Negative in Drug Screening Results

Published 27 Feb.2020 21:30(KST)

Former member of the group iKON, B.I (real name Kim Han-bin, 24), who was suspected of purchasing and smoking marijuana in the past, is seen coming out after being questioned on the afternoon of September 17 last year at the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency's Metropolitan Investigation Unit in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Former member of the group iKON, B.I (real name Kim Han-bin, 24), tested negative in a drug test, drawing public attention to whether B.I will decide to return to the entertainment industry.

According to Sports World on the 27th, the Southern Gyeonggi Police Station announced that the National Forensic Service's detailed analysis found no traces of drugs in B.I's body hair and other samples.

The police plan to conclude the investigation on B.I and forward the case to the prosecution with a recommendation for indictment.

B.I previously appeared at the police station as a witness in September last year and was questioned. At that time, the police investigated whether B.I had ever asked an acquaintance, referred to as A, to procure marijuana in 2016, and whether he had smoked marijuana.

It was reported that B.I partially admitted to smoking marijuana during the police investigation.

The police later changed B.I's status to that of a suspect and continued the investigation.

When allegations spread that B.I attempted to purchase drugs such as marijuana and LSD, he announced his intention to leave the group via his Instagram account.

B.I stated, "It is true that I wanted to rely on something (drugs) that I should not have even cared about during difficult times, but I was too scared to do so," and added, "I humbly reflect on my mistakes and wish to withdraw from the team."