Freelance Announcer Kim Na-jung Sent to Prosecutors Amid Drug Allegations

Freelance announcer Kim Na-jung (김나정) has been sent to prosecutors following allegations of drug use. On January 24, the Northern Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency announced that Kim was sent without detention on charges of violating drug control laws, specifically for the use of methamphetamine and synthetic marijuana.

Kim claims she was forced to inhale drugs while in the Philippines and submitted related evidence to the police. However, authorities determined that the evidence was insufficient to prove coercion. She is currently under investigation for drug use in the Philippines.

In November of last year, Kim shocked the public by revealing on her personal social media that she was facing life-threatening situations in Manila, Philippines. She stated, "I feel my life is in danger in Manila. I want to return to Korea. I feel like I will die if I board a plane or leave Manila. Please help me. I discarded all my luggage to avoid being involved in drug trafficking and confess to using drugs in the Philippines."

Upon her return to Korea, the Incheon International Airport Police conducted a rapid drug test, which returned a positive result for methamphetamine. The case was then transferred to the Northern Gyeonggi Provincial Police, who have since filed charges against her without detention.

Following these events, Kim released a statement through her legal representative, explaining the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to her lawyer, Kim traveled to the Philippines for promotional activities related to beauty products and to launch her own lingerie brand. During her stay, she was introduced to a young businessman, referred to as A, who allegedly restrained her and forced her to inhale smoke during a drinking session. The lawyer denied rumors of a so-called 'sponsorship' arrangement.

The legal representative further stated, "To escape, Kim had no choice but to inhale the smoke using a tube-like device. There is video evidence showing her hands tied and her eyes covered."

The lawyer emphasized that Kim was in a state of incapacitation and noted that A is currently wanted for multiple crimes and cannot return to Korea. They asserted that Kim's drug use occurred only once and was forced, countering public speculation that she had used drugs multiple times. Following this, Kim abruptly deleted her personal social media accounts.

Kim Na-jung gained recognition after winning the Miss Maxim contest in 2019 and has appeared in various entertainment programs, including the Wavve variety shows 'Verification Zone: The Community' (사상검증구역:더 커뮤니티) and 'Black Sheep Game' (검은 양 게임).