Yoo Ah-in Appeals for Leniency After Receiving Four-Year Sentence for Drug Charges

On December 24, 2024, actor Yoo Ah-in appeared in court to appeal for leniency after being sentenced to four years in prison for habitual drug use. The Seoul High Court's Criminal Division 5, presided over by judges Kwon Soon-hyung, Ahn Seung-hoon, and Shim Seung-woo, held a hearing regarding Yoo and his acquaintance, Mr. Choi, who were both charged under the Narcotics Control Act.

Yoo was accused of abusing medical propofol and other substances 181 times between September 2020 and March 2022, using cosmetic procedures as a cover. He was also charged with illegally obtaining over 1,100 doses of two types of sleeping pills under other people's names from May 2021 to August 2022, and for smoking marijuana three times in the U.S. with Mr. Choi in January 2024.

In the first trial, Yoo was found guilty of habitual drug use and illegal procurement of sleeping pills, receiving a one-year sentence. However, he was acquitted of charges related to marijuana use and evidence tampering due to insufficient evidence. Both the prosecution and Yoo's legal team appealed the sentence, claiming it was unjust.

During the hearing, the prosecution requested that all charges be upheld and reiterated the four-year prison term, along with a fine of 2 million won and a forfeiture of 1.54 million won.

Wearing a prison uniform, Yoo expressed remorse, stating, "I have caused irreparable harm to my parents who brought me into this world. I have disappointed my colleagues and those who trusted me, and I have hurt many who have shown me love."

He continued, "This incident and my time in detention have allowed me to reflect deeply on my life. I still struggle with shame and guilt, but I am grateful for the opportunity to repent and will do my utmost to correct my mistakes and recover."

Yoo concluded his statement with a solemn vow, saying, "I promise to remember the severity of the law wherever I am and to never repeat my foolishness. I earnestly request the chance to demonstrate my commitment to learning and living a new life in society."

The court's decision on Yoo Ah-in's appeal is set to be announced on February 18, 2025.