"Running Around Like Drunk" Drugs Spreading Among Young People via SNS

Drug Offenders Under 40 Increase 160% in 5 Years
Many Teens Also Purchase Appetite Suppressant Drugs
Bill Proposed to Mandate Prescription History Checks to Prevent Misuse and Abuse

Drug offenders are rapidly increasing among young people under their 40s. Photo is not related to the specific content of the article.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] With the rapid increase in drug offenders, the notion of a 'drug-free country' has become a thing of the past. In particular, there is a growing trend of young drug offenders who are proficient in using the internet and social networking services (SNS).

On the 10th, an online frenzy erupted after a male actor in his 40s was booked on drug use charges. Early reports did not reveal his real name, prompting netizens to speculate about the actor's identity based on clues appearing in the articles. During this process, several actors suspected of being drug offenders denied the rumors outright through their agencies, leading to a somewhat chaotic situation.

On that day, police responded to a report of a "man appearing intoxicated running around" and arrested actor A at his residence on the spot. At the time of arrest, A showed unstable speech and gait, and there were traces of vomiting around his mouth. Police secured dozens of pills found inside his home.

However, on the 13th, A gave an interview to YTN, firmly denying the drug charges, stating, "I have never used drugs; I was taking medication related to depression, which caused misunderstandings." He also emphasized that reports claiming he admitted to drug use were false.

On the 11th, a man in his 20s, B, who exhibited hallucinations after using drugs and called his parents pleading "save me," along with his companions, was apprehended by the police. A man in his 30s, C, had proposed joint drug use to B, whom he met through a chat app. After using drugs and entering a hallucinatory state, B reportedly called his parents, saying, "Someone is going to harm me," and begged, "Save me."

Subsequently, B’s parents filed a missing person report with the police. Using mobile phone location tracking, police arrived at the scene and confirmed evidence of drug use in the room. Both individuals tested positive in a rapid drug screening test.

On the 11th of last month, a drug detection dog is searching for drugs at the 'Customs Service Drug Smuggling Prevention Campaign' held at Incheon International Airport Terminal 1. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

Recently, drug offenders have surged among young people under 40. According to the 'Drug Offender Status' data submitted by the Ministry of Justice to People Power Party lawmaker Choi Young-hee on the 8th, the number of drug offenders aged 40 or younger increased by about 160%, from 5,907 in 2017 to 9,623 in 2021. Notably, 5,170 drug offenders were recorded in the first half of this year alone. This is analyzed to be due to the diversification of non-face-to-face purchasing methods amid the spread of COVID-19. Young people, accustomed to non-face-to-face transactions via the internet and SNS, have found it easier to access drugs.

Additionally, among teenagers, cases of illegally obtaining and distributing or using psychotropic appetite suppressants, commonly called 'OO-yak,' are increasing. Some teenagers, who admire extremely thin body shapes, are exposed to drugs without protection while seeking extreme weight loss methods. In fact, among 59 people arrested in June for using or possessing appetite suppressant drugs classified as narcotics, 47 were teenagers, including some as young as 13 years old.

Regarding this, lawmaker Choi stated, "Recently, cases of illegal prescription and misuse of narcotics among young generations, including adolescents, have been frequently detected," adding, "Since the young generation, who should lead the future of the Republic of Korea with bright dreams, can become drug offenders and addicts due to a momentary mistake, it is urgently necessary to strengthen follow-up management and take proactive measures to block illegal narcotics."

Meanwhile, a bill to prevent the misuse and abuse of narcotics has been proposed in the National Assembly. On the 8th, Kang Sun-woo of the Democratic Party proposed a partial amendment to the 'Narcotics Control Act' that mandates checking patients' medication history when prescribing medical narcotics. The amendment requires narcotics handlers to verify patients' prescription records when prescribing narcotics and imposes fines on medical practitioners who violate this to prevent misuse and abuse.

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