Seven Individuals Sentenced for Illegal Propofol Distribution in Seoul

In a significant ruling, the Seoul Central District Court has sentenced seven individuals, including a doctor and clinic staff, for their involvement in the illegal distribution of propofol, a powerful anesthetic. On July 8, 2025, Judge Yeom Hye-soo sentenced the doctor, identified as Seo, and the clinic operator, Lee, to four years in prison and a fine of 10 million won each. The clinic's head consultant, Jang, received a three-year prison term and a similar fine, while a nursing assistant, Gil, was sentenced to two years in prison and fined 5 million won. The remaining three accomplices received sentences ranging from one and a half to three years.

Judge Yeom emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "Medical professionals, who are supposed to protect patients, formed a criminal organization and committed serious offenses. They generated substantial profits over an extended period and created numerous addicts, warranting severe punishment."

The group operated a clinic in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, where from November 2023 to June 2024, they illegally sold and administered propofol and etomidate in 417 instances, amounting to approximately 1.458 billion won. They set up a so-called 'skin care room' within the clinic, equipped with beds, refrigerators, syringes, and safes, where they administered the anesthetic at a rate of 1 million won per hour, with some addicts reportedly spending up to 18.6 million won in a single day for over 10 hours of treatment.

According to prosecutors, the head consultant, who had prior experience in hospitals dealing with propofol abuse, managed a list of addicts, while nursing assistants administered injections without the doctor's supervision. Additionally, gang members were reportedly present at the clinic to oversee and control the addicts. Doctor Seo falsely reported to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's Narcotics Integrated Management System (NIMS) as if the prescriptions were legitimate.

The court also ordered Seo to forfeit 225 million won, with the other accomplices facing forfeiture amounts ranging from 30 million to 1.021 billion won.