Court Fines Ha Jung-woo 30 Million Won for Illegal Propofol Use... Higher Than Prosecutor's Demand

Actor Ha Jung-woo (real name Kim Sung-hoon), who has been charged with illegal administration of propofol, is seen answering questions from reporters as he leaves the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 10th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Ha Jung-woo (real name Kim Seong-hoon), who was indicted for the illegal administration of the sedative 'Propofol,' was sentenced to a fine of 30 million KRW in the first trial. This far exceeds the 10 million KRW fine requested by the prosecution.

On the 14th at 1:50 PM, Judge Park Seol-ah of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 24 sentenced Ha Jung-woo, who was charged with violating the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropic substances), accordingly. A supplementary fine of 88,749 KRW was also ordered.

The court stated, "The defendant administered the psychotropic drug Propofol, which has concerns of physical and mental dependency when abused, 19 times during cosmetic procedures that did not require sedation, and conspired with a doctor by providing a friend's personal information to falsely create medical records. The nature of the crime is not light," adding, "Especially as a public figure loved by the public, he committed the crime in his position as a celebrity."

However, the court added, "It does not appear that the defendant administered Propofol without the initial purpose of cosmetic procedures, and considering the frequency of administration, it is difficult to conclude that there was dependency on Propofol. Taking into account that the defendant admitted his wrongdoing, showed remorse, and is a first-time offender with no prior similar crimes, the sentence was determined."

Earlier, Ha Jung-woo was brought to trial for illegally administering the psychotropic drug Propofol at a plastic surgery clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, from January to September 2019. At the final hearing, the prosecution requested the court to impose a fine of 10 million KRW and also to order a supplementary fine of 88,749 KRW.

In court, Ha Jung-woo’s defense attorney acknowledged the charges but emphasized, "Most of the Propofol administration occurred alongside procedures. Please consider that the administration was performed by medical professionals and that the actual amount administered during hospital visits was less than what is recorded in the medical records." The attorney also appealed, "The skin troubles were severe, and due to makeup and special effects makeup, the skin condition was very poor, so professional treatment was necessary to continue activities as an actor."

Ha Jung-woo, in his final statement, said, "I deeply regret and reflect on how careless and reckless I was," and added, "As a public actor who receives 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."

Initially, 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 without a formal trial for relatively minor charges. However, due to 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 to trial for judgment through formal proceedings.

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