Robert Harley "No Way to Forget Drugs... Also Opposes Legalization of Marijuana"

"Once exposed to drugs, memories remain"
"Overcoming requires treatment from the beginning"

Ha Il (American name Robert Harley, 62), a broadcaster and chairman of Gwangju Foreign School who was embroiled in controversy in 2019 over drug use allegations, has come forward to warn about the addictive nature of drugs.

In an interview with CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the 17th, Ha said, "(The pleasure of drugs) is unforgettable. There is no drug that makes you forget." He added, "So when you come into contact with drugs, that memory remains. That is why addicts struggle."

He continued, "I like cakes and bread, and when I go to the best bakery in Seoul, I have to go there again," adding, "Drugs are the same. Because of those unforgettable memories, addicts are created."

Broadcaster and Chairman of Gwangju Foreign School, Ha Il (American name Robert Harley, 62)
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Ha revealed that the unwavering support of his family was a great help in overcoming drug addiction. He said, "I have a support system around me, so I no longer touch drugs," and added, "My family was a great strength, and my son constantly watches over me."

He also shared, "My eldest son called my wife after my drug use and asked, 'Mom, what are you going to do? Are you going to divorce?' My wife replied, 'Am I that kind of woman? Do you think I would leave your father?'" He expressed gratitude toward his family, saying, "So my wife stayed as she was, and she came running from the United States."

Regarding the claims advocating for the legalization of marijuana raised by some, Ha expressed a skeptical stance, saying, "I think very negatively about it." He emphasized, "In U.S. states where marijuana is legalized, the death rate due to drugs has increased. Drug use rates have also risen, and youth usage rates have increased even more. Therefore, we must oppose it."

He said, "The government sends people for education, and instructors talk about the harmful aspects of drugs, but when they return to their (prison) cells, they start talking about drugs again," adding, "(Addicts) must be treated from the beginning. In my case, I received treatment from the start, and that is why I was able to overcome it."

Previously, Ha was indicted in mid-March 2019 on charges of purchasing methamphetamine, a narcotic, via the internet and using it either with foreign acquaintances or alone. He had also been investigated for the same charges in 2017 and 2018, but reportedly evaded drug substance tests by removing all body hair at that time.

Ha was sentenced to one year in prison with a two-year probation period. After suspending his activities such as broadcasting, he reappeared in public as a panelist at a 'Drug-related Forum' held at the National Assembly on the 14th.

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