Yoo Ah-in Pleads for Leniency in Drug Case

On December 24, during a hearing at the Seoul High Court, actor Yoo Ah-in tearfully appealed for leniency regarding charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act. The prosecution has recommended a four-year prison sentence, a fine of 2 million won, and a confiscation of 1.54 million won.

Yoo expressed his remorse, stating, "I apologize to those I have disappointed and hurt. I deeply reflect on all my wrongdoings. I have caused irreparable harm to my parents who brought me into this world. I have let down many who have shown me unconditional trust and love. This was self-harm, betrayal, and a crime. I sincerely regret all my actions."

He continued, "Becoming an actor at 18, this has been the first time in 20 years that I am finding myself outside of a role. I still struggle with shame and guilt. I am grateful for this opportunity for reflection and will do my utmost for correction and recovery," as he shed tears.

Yoo's attorney argued that as one of South Korea's leading actors, he should have demonstrated a higher sense of legal compliance but fell into the wrong temptations, relying on sleep-inducing drugs. The attorney noted that the pressures of meeting public expectations and maintaining popularity led to severe stress, and due to the nature of his profession, he was unable to adequately treat his mental health issues, including depression and sleep disorders.

Yoo is accused of habitually using medical propofol under the guise of cosmetic procedures at hospitals in Seoul 181 times from September 2020 to March 2022. He also faces charges for illegally obtaining over 1,100 doses of two types of sleeping pills under another person's name 44 times from May 2021 to August 2022, and for smoking marijuana three times in the U.S. in January 2023.

In the first trial, the court acknowledged the habitual drug use charges and sentenced him to one year in prison, while acquitting him of marijuana use and evidence tampering due to insufficient evidence. Both the prosecution and Yoo's side have appealed the sentence.

During the appeals process, Yoo faced the loss of his father, stating, "There is no greater punishment than this."

Separately, Yoo was also accused of sexual assault by a man in his 30s in July, but the police dismissed the case due to lack of evidence.

The sentencing for Yoo Ah-in is scheduled for February 18, 2025.