Prosecution Seeks 10 Million Won Fine for Ha Jung-woo in 'Illegal Propofol Use' Case

Actor Ha Jung-woo (real name Kim Sung-hoon), who is accused of illegal propofol administration, is answering questions from the press as he attends the first trial held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 10th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The prosecution has requested a fine of 10 million KRW for Ha Jung-woo (real name Kim Seong-hoon), who was indicted on charges of illegally administering the sedative 'Propofol.'

On the 10th at 10:20 a.m., during the sentencing hearing for Ha Jung-woo's violation of the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropic substances) held before Judge Park Seol-ah of Criminal Division 24 at the Seoul Central District Court, the prosecution asked the court to "impose a fine of 10 million KRW." They also requested an order for a supplementary fine of 88,749 KRW.

Previously, Ha Jung-woo was brought to trial on charges of illegally administering the psychotropic drug Propofol at a plastic surgery clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, from January to September 2019.

On this day, the prosecution emphasized, "The Propofol used at the hospital was administered during procedures that did not require sedation, including to the defendant."

On the other hand, Ha Jung-woo's defense attorney stated, "We acknowledge the facts of the charges," but appealed, "However, most of the Propofol administration occurred alongside medical procedures. Please consider that the administration was carried out by medical professionals and that the actual amount administered, according to medical records, was less than stated in the charges."

They also said, "The defendant not only suffered from severe skin troubles but also had very poor skin condition due to makeup and special effects makeup, requiring professional treatment to continue his activities as an actor."

Ha Jung-woo himself took out a prepared statement and read, "I deeply regret and reflect on how careless and imprudent I was to have come to this point." He added, "As a public actor who attracts much attention, I should have lived cautiously and set an example. I bow my head in apology for causing concern and harm to my colleagues and family."

At around 9:50 a.m. that day, Ha Jung-woo arrived at the Seoul Central District Court building in Seocho-gu, Seoul, dressed in a black suit and tie and wearing glasses. When asked by reporters about his feelings, he bowed his head and said, "I apologize for causing concern. I will sincerely participate in the trial."

Originally, he was subject to a summary indictment with a fine of 10 million KRW. A summary indictment is a procedure where the prosecution requests the court to issue a summary order through written review without referring the case to a formal trial, usually for relatively minor charges. However, by the court's decision, the case was eventually referred to a formal trial. If the court deems a summary order inappropriate, it can refer the case for a formal trial procedure.

At the time of the prosecution's summary indictment, Ha Jung-woo stated through his agency, "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 sedation." He added, "Since I actually received the procedures, I reflect on my careless judgment."

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 14 at 1:30 p.m.

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