Yoo Ah-in Pleads for Leniency in Court Amid Drug Charges

Yoo Ah-in (유아인), who has been sentenced to four years in prison for habitual drug use, broke down in court as he appealed for leniency following the death of his father. His emotional plea has drawn attention as the court deliberates his fate.

Yoo was charged last October for abusing medical propofol and other substances under the guise of sedation for cosmetic procedures at hospitals in Seoul from September 2020 to March 2022, totaling 181 instances. Additionally, he faces accusations of illegally obtaining over 1,100 doses of two types of sleeping pills under other people's names from May 2021 to August 2022, and smoking marijuana three times in the U.S. with acquaintances in January of this year.

In the first trial, he was found guilty of habitual drug use and illegal procurement of sleeping pills, receiving a one-year prison 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, citing unfairness.

During the second trial, Yoo's defense team highlighted the emotional toll of his father's passing, stating, "Yoo Ah-in has been living with the guilt that his father's condition worsened because of him. There is no greater punishment than this."

On December 24, 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 for Yoo and his acquaintance, Choi, who are appealing drug-related charges.

The prosecution requested a four-year prison sentence, the same as the first trial, along with a fine of 2 million won and a forfeiture of 1.54 million won, as well as an 80-hour drug rehabilitation program.

Appearing in court in a prison uniform, Yoo expressed remorse, stating, "I have inflicted irreparable harm on my parents who brought me into this world. I sincerely apologize to my family, associates, and fans. I still struggle with shame and guilt, but I am grateful for the opportunity to reflect and will do my utmost for rehabilitation and recovery." He pleaded for another chance, visibly emotional. The outcome of his appeal remains to be seen.

The sentencing for Yoo Ah-in's drug charges is scheduled for February 18, 2025.