Big Bang's G-Dragon Booked on 'Drug Charges'... How Far Will the Entertainment Industry Fallout Go?

G-Dragon (35, real name Kwon Ji-yong), the leader of the group 'Big Bang,' is under police investigation for drug charges.

The police, who are investigating actor Lee Sun-kyun (48) for drug use, have confirmed that the entertainer additionally booked on suspicion of drug-related offenses is G-Dragon.

On the 25th, the Narcotics Crime Investigation Division of the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency booked Kwon without detention on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act. However, the police explained that Kwon's case is a separate matter unrelated to Lee's drug use case.

A police official said regarding Kwon's charges, "Since the investigation is ongoing, specific details cannot be disclosed." Kwon, the leader of Big Bang, was investigated by prosecutors in 2011 for marijuana smoking but received a suspended indictment at that time.

G-Dragon [Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, the police have placed a total of eight people under investigation in connection with Lee's case. First, Lee was booked on charges of marijuana and psychotropic substances under the Narcotics Control Act, and B (29, female), the manager of the Gangnam entertainment establishment known to have been frequented by Lee, was arrested on psychotropic substance charges. B is also accused of extorting 350 million won from Lee through threats.

In addition, one employee of the entertainment establishment has been booked, and five others, including a third-generation chaebol family member, a composer, and an aspiring singer, are under preliminary investigation.

The police plan to conduct a drug test on Lee soon to determine the types and frequency of drugs used. Lee is suspected of having used multiple types of drugs, including marijuana, at B's residence in Seoul since early this year.

Last month, the police secured clues related to actor Lee while verifying a tip from an informant that "drugs were distributed at a Gangnam entertainment bar in Seoul." The entertainment establishment known to have been frequented by Lee is a membership-based room salon catering to high-income clients.

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