Yoo Ah-in Admits to 'Marijuana Smoking' in First Trial... "Many Parts Differ from the Facts"

Yoo Ah-in "Sorry for causing concern... Many parts of the indictment differ from the facts"
Attorney "There are legal points to review regarding the propofol-related indictment"

Actor Yoo Ah-in (37, real name Eom Hong-sik), who was indicted on charges including habitual drug use, admitted to some charges such as marijuana smoking during his first trial.

Actor Yoo Ah-in (real name Eom Hong-sik), who has been indicted on charges including violation of the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropic substances), marijuana smoking and instigation, evidence tampering instigation, violation of the Medical Service Act, and fraud, is responding to reporters' questions as he appears at the Seoul Central District Court on the morning of the 12th. Photo by Heo Young-han younghan@

At the first trial held on the 12th at the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 25-1 (Presiding Judges Park Jeong-gil, Park Jeong-je, Ji Gwi-yeon), Yoo's lawyer stated, "From a fundamental standpoint, he admits to marijuana smoking."

He added, "There are some discrepancies or exaggerations in the indictment related to propofol, so the facts and legal principles need to be thoroughly reviewed." He also expressed the intention to contest the charges of instigating marijuana smoking and evidence tampering with the prosecution.

Yoo, who attended the first hearing, said, "I am sorry for causing concern to everyone," and added, "I will sincerely participate in the remaining trial process and provide explanations. In particular, I sincerely apologize once again to those who were greatly disappointed and suffered significant harm because of me."

After the trial ended, he stated, "There are many parts of the indictment that are factually incorrect," and "I will sincerely clarify those parts through the trial process."

Yoo was indicted without detention on charges of habitual use of medical propofol and other drugs 181 times at hospitals around Seoul from September 2020 to March 2022. He is also charged with illegally obtaining sleeping pills 44 times under other people's names from September 2021 to August last year.

The prosecution, while indicting Yoo without detention, stated in the indictment that "On January 21 of this year, Yoo Ah-in sat around an outdoor table at a lodging in Los Angeles, California, USA, with his party and smoked marijuana wrapped in cigarette paper."

Additionally, the prosecution specified that Yoo, who was smoking marijuana with acquaintances A and B at a swimming pool, upon being caught by another YouTuber C who came to film, fearing negative impact on his image and reputation as a celebrity, decided to involve the YouTuber in marijuana smoking as a 'co-conspirator' to prevent his marijuana use from being exposed. Specifically, it was noted that Yoo encouraged C by saying, "It's time for you to try it too," and "Smoke it deeper."

Furthermore, in early August this year, while under investigation, Yoo was confirmed to have sent threatening messages to a person who was also under police investigation, implying that even if that person was cleared of charges, the police or prosecution might disclose their testimony to reporters after the case ended, urging them to retract their statements.

Accordingly, the prosecution applied charges against Yoo for violating the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropic substances), marijuana smoking and instigation, evidence tampering instigation, violation of the Medical Service Act, and fraud, and indicted him without detention.

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