Don Spike Sentenced to 5 Years for Drug Use... "Will Serve Society Through Music"

Famous composer and businessman Don Spike (real name Kim Min-su), who is accused of drug use, appeared at the Seoul Northern District Court in Dobong-gu, Seoul, on the morning of September 28 to undergo a pre-arrest detention hearing (warrant review). [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] The prosecution has requested the court to sentence famous composer Don Spike (45, real name Kim Min-su), who was indicted on charges of drug use, to five years in prison.

On the 20th, at the sentencing hearing held at the Seoul Northern District Court Criminal Division 13 (Presiding Judge Oh Kwon-cheol), the prosecution demanded a five-year prison term, a fine of 39,857,500 KRW, and 200 hours of rehabilitation treatment for defendant Kim, who was charged under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes for stimulant drugs.

The prosecution explained the reason for the demand, citing the seriousness of the drug crime and Kim's history of similar offenses, stating, "The amount of methamphetamine handled by the defendant is considerable," and "The defendant abused his celebrity status to involve others in the crime, demonstrating a poor criminal nature."

Investigations revealed that Kim purchased methamphetamine worth approximately 45 million KRW over nine occasions since the end of last year and possessed about 20 grams of methamphetamine. The typical single dose of methamphetamine is about 0.03 grams, so 20 grams corresponds to approximately 667 doses. Additionally, Kim is accused of using methamphetamine a total of 14 times.

Wearing a blue prison uniform, Kim appeared in court with his head bowed and said, "I am truly sorry. I will never reoffend." Kim's defense attorney stated, "During detention, Kim's health deteriorated to the point where his fingertips became numb, making it difficult even to write a letter of apology," and requested, "Please take this into consideration and allow the defendant to serve society once again through his music activities." The sentencing for Kim is scheduled for 10 a.m. on January 9 of next year.

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