Recent investigations into suspected drug use by Korean celebrities raise concerns within the entertainment sector

Yoo Ah-in's instagram

The South Korean entertainment industry is grappling with increased anxiety as several prominent entertainment personalities face investigations into suspected drug use. Rapper G-Dragon, the leader of Big Bang, whose real name is Kwon Ji-yong, was booked without detention for alleged violations of the Narcotics Control Act. This incident marks the latest in a series of investigations involving celebrities, including actors Lee Sun-kyun and Yoo Ah-in. 

▲ G-DRAGON's instagram

Individuals within the entertainment industry have expressed their concerns about the potential repercussions of these investigations. While they acknowledge that personal lives are separate from professional careers, there is apprehension about the possibility of celebrities being arrested on drug-related charges.

An anonymous industry insider highlighted the growing concerns within the industry, noting that while arrests related to drug use among TV stars are not new, the numbers have noticeably increased in recent years. These incidents are viewed as alarming within the industry. 

▲ Yoo Ah-in's instagram

The public was surprised by reports of Lee's booking on suspicions of illegal drug use, especially in the wake of Yoo's similar case on October 19. Lee, a part of the ensemble cast of the Oscar-winning film "Parasite," is reported to have used unspecified illicit substances at "room salons" and homes in the Gangnam area of southern Seoul on multiple occasions this year.

Lee is one of eight individuals currently under investigation, including former K-pop trainee Han Seo-hee and Hwang Ha-na, the granddaughter of the founder of Namyang Dairy Products. Notably, the Incheon Metropolitan Police investigating Lee's case denied any connection between his case and that of Kwon.

Kwon, who faced a drug scandal in 2011 related to the use of marijuana, admitted to the offense at a club in Japan. However, prosecutors ultimately dropped the case.

The series of drug-related investigations involving actors and musicians has led to heightened tensions across various business sectors. Local retail companies swiftly terminated contracts with Yoo following allegations of illegal propofol use. Netflix's series "Hellbound" replaced Yoo with Kim Sung-cheol, and the release date of another Netflix series starring Yoo, "Goodbye Earth," was adjusted during the investigation. 

▲ Lee Sun-kyun's instagram

Lee withdrew from the new mystery thriller series "No Way Out," which was set to begin shooting. Additionally, SK Telecom, SK Broadband, and the health and functional food brand CellMed removed the actor from their advertisements.

Observers noted that while Korean laws regarding narcotics are stringent, leniency among Korean viewers and fans may contribute to the repeated drug-related charges against TV stars. Some celebrities, like T.O.P of Big Bang, Ju Ji-hoon, and Ha Jung-woo, have successfully returned to the screen after a period of silence, and public reactions often appear unaffected by past controversies.

Commentary in online communities has called for stricter measures against drug abuse in South Korea.

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