Sayart.net - South Korean Actor Yoo Ah-in Escapes Arrest Warrant for Drug Use Charges

YOOAHIN's instagram

In a surprising turn of events, a South Korean court has dismissed an arrest warrant for Yoo Ah-in, a talented actor, on charges of drug use. The prosecution had requested the warrant, suspecting Yoo of using five illicit substances, including cocaine, propofol, a potent anesthetic, and zolpidem, a sedative commonly prescribed for insomnia treatment.

On May 24, Lee Min-soo, a senior judge overseeing warrant applications at the Seoul Central District Court, stated, "It is difficult to conclude that there is a reasonable apprehension of evidence tampering or the suspect's intention to flee beyond the boundaries of exercising his right to self-defense." Judge Lee highlighted that the court had already obtained substantial evidence related to Yoo's alleged criminal activities, and the actor himself has expressed remorse regarding his marijuana use. However, the judge deemed it debatable whether Yoo had actually used cocaine.

Previously, Yoo had admitted to most of the allegations made against him during interactions with the press. However, he firmly denied any involvement in assisting his alleged accomplice's escape. Prior to the prosecutors' appeal to the court, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency had sought an arrest warrant for both Yoo and his suspected accomplice, citing concerns of evidence destruction and flight.

The actor has come under scrutiny for alleged recreational use of five different drugs, including marijuana, propofol, cocaine, ketamine, and zolpidem. The investigation into Yoo began after a state health watchdog reported consistent propofol usage by the actor since 2021. Law enforcement authorities claimed that Yoo had administered propofol on over 70 occasions between January and December of that year.

Yoo Ah-in has garnered considerable acclaim for his performances in numerous successful films, notably his role as the son of a wealthy entrepreneur with a drug habit in the 2015 hit movie "Veteran." He also portrayed the ill-fated Crown Prince Sado (1735-1762), who met a tragic demise by starvation at the hands of his own father, King Yeongjo (1694-1776), in the historical film "The Throne."

The ongoing police investigation has had repercussions on Yoo's career, with two of his Netflix series, "The Match" and "Goodbye Earth," being postponed. Both shows, originally slated for release in 2023, have faced delays due to the actor's legal situation. "The Match" revolves around a gripping match between a Go master, played by renowned actor Lee Byung-hun, and his student, portrayed by Yoo. Go is an ancient board game with a rich history in Korea, China, and Japan. Meanwhile, "Goodbye Earth" delves into the struggles faced by individuals on the brink of an impending apocalypse.

As the case continues to unfold, the decision by the South Korean court to dismiss the arrest warrant against Yoo Ah-in raises questions about the strength of the evidence presented by the prosecution. The actor's future remains uncertain, as the public eagerly awaits further developments in this high-profile legal battle. Meanwhile, Yoo's dedicated fans and industry peers are left contemplating the potential impact of these allegations on his career and personal life.

Sayart.net 

Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com