'Illegal Propofol Use' Ha Jung-woo Sentenced in First Trial Today... Prosecution Demands 10 Million Won Fine

Actor Ha Jung-woo (real name Kim Seong-hoon), who finished the first trial on charges of illegal propofol administration, is seen answering questions from reporters as he leaves the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 10th of last month. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The first trial sentencing hearing for Ha Jung-woo (real name Kim Seong-hoon), who was indicted for the illegal administration of the sleep anesthetic 'Propofol,' will be held.

According to the court on the 14th, at 1:50 PM, Judge Park Seol-ah of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 24 will conduct the sentencing hearing for Ha Jung-woo, who was indicted for violating the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropic substances). During the previous closing arguments, the prosecution requested the court to impose a fine of 10 million won. They also asked for an order to collect a fine of 88,749 won.

Earlier, 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.

In court, Ha Jung-woo's defense attorney stated, "We admit to the charges," but emphasized, "Most of the Propofol offenses occurred alongside medical procedures. Please consider that the administration was carried out by medical professionals and that the actual amount administered during hospital visits was less than what is recorded in the medical records." They also appealed, "Due to severe skin troubles, as well as makeup and special effects makeup, the skin condition was very poor, and professional treatment was necessary to continue activities as an actor."

Ha Jung-woo also expressed in his final statement, "I deeply regret and reflect on how careless and imprudent I was," adding, "As a public actor who attracts much attention, I should have lived cautiously and set an example, but I bow my head in apology for causing concern and harm to my colleagues and family."

Initially, he was subject to a summary indictment with a fine of 10 million won. A summary indictment is a procedure where the prosecution requests the court to issue a summary order through written examination 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 trial and adjudicate according to formal trial procedures.

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