'Hwang Hana, on probation for drugs, sentenced to 1 year and 8 months in prison on appeal'

Hwang Hana. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] Hwang Hana (33), who was indicted for using drugs during her probation period, was sentenced to prison again in the appellate court.

The Seoul Western District Court Criminal Appeal Division 1-1 (Presiding Judge Seong Ji-ho) on the 15th sentenced Hwang to 1 year and 8 months in prison in the appeal trial on charges including violation of the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropic substances). This is a reduced sentence compared to the 2 years in prison in the first trial. A fine of 500,000 won was also ordered.

The court found Hwang guilty of all charges, including some methamphetamine use. However, considering that Hwang admitted to some of the crimes during the appeal and reached a settlement with the victim related to the theft, the sentence was partially reduced.

Hwang is accused of using methamphetamine five times, including with her husband Oh and acquaintances Nam and Kim in August last year, and again with Oh at a motel in Seoul at the end of the same month (charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act regarding psychotropic substances). She is also accused of stealing items worth about 5 million won from Kim's residence on November 29 last year.

Previously, Hwang was indicted for using methamphetamine three times at her home from May to September 2015 and for using psychotropic drugs without a prescription in April 2018. In November 2019, she was sentenced to 1 year in prison with 2 years probation in the appellate court. Hwang used drugs again during the probation period. Subsequently, Hwang was brought to trial again this year on charges of repeated drug use.

The first trial stated, "Despite being on probation, she committed the same crime and denied the crime without remorse," sentencing Hwang to 2 years in prison and ordering a fine of 400,000 won.

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