'Propofol Administration' Charge: Ha Jung-woo's First Trial on the 10th Next Month... "Defendant to Appear in Person"

Actor Ha Jung-woo [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The first trial of actor Ha Jung-woo (real name Kim Seong-hoon), who is accused of illegally administering the sleep anesthetic propofol, will be held on August 10.

According to the legal community on the 2nd, Judge Park Seol-ah of Criminal Division 24 at the Seoul Central District Court will hold Ha's first trial on August 10 on charges including violation of the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropic substances). Ha is expected to appear in court in person in accordance with the defendant's attendance obligation.

Initially, the prosecution filed a summary indictment against Ha with a fine of 10 million won for illegally administering propofol from January to September 2019. A summary indictment is a procedure in which the prosecution requests the court to issue a summary order through written examination without referring the case to a formal trial when the charges are relatively minor.

However, by decision of the court, the case was eventually referred to a formal trial. If the court deems it inappropriate to issue a summary order, it can refer the case to trial and adjudicate it according to formal trial procedures.

At the time of the prosecution's summary indictment, Ha stated through his agency, "I have disclosed all facts during the investigation process and humbly accept the resulting disposition," adding, "I have been receiving dermatological treatment for acne scars on my face, and when undergoing painful treatments such as laser procedures, I sometimes received treatment under sleep anesthesia." He further added, "Since I actually received the procedures, I reflect on my careless judgment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.