B.I officially sentenced to 4 years of probation and 3 years in prison if he commits again, “He committed the crimes not just out of curiosity”
The 25-3 Criminal Agreement Division of the Seoul Central District Court sentenced B.I to three years in prison and four years of probation
iKON’s former member B.I (real name Kim Han-bin), who was under suspicion of using drugs, has officially been sentenced to 4 years of probation and 3 years in prison if he commits again.
On the afternoon of the 10th, Department 25-3 of the Seoul Central District Court (Department Judge Park Sung-soo and Park Jung-je) sentenced B.I, who was accused of violating the Narcotics Control Act, to three years in prison and four years of probation. He was also ordered to do 80 hours of community service, 40 hours of drug treatment lectures, and pay an additional 1.5 million won fine.
The court pointed out, “He committed the crime not just out of curiosity. Celebrities’ drug crimes have a major impact on society by making the public and adolescents less alert to the hazard of consuming illegal drugs.”
However, the judge continued, “We acknowledge him reflecting on his wrongdoings,” adding, “It seems that he is a first-time offender and the parents also appealed for leniency. His relationships with people around him, including family members, are well maintained.”
In a trial held on the 27th of last month, the prosecution demanded a three-year sentence and an additional fine of 1.5 million won for B.I. The prosecution pointed out, “When I saw B.I’s mobile messenger, there was considerable interest in drugs,” and “B.I. made huge profits by doing entertainment activities for three years even after committing the crime.”
In response, B.I‘s lawyer said, “He regrets and reflects on the impact of his action towards society. He commited the crime out of wrong judgment and curiosity at a young age.” B.I then said, “Since my debut as a singer, I have been doing various donation activities until now,” and emphasized, “Please give me a chance to contribute to the society.” B.I also said, “I made an idiotic mistake in the past. I have hurt my mom, dad, and younger brother, among many other people.” He then appealed, “I am still reflecting on myself, and I want to continue to do so,” and added, “I hope you give me one more chance to live as a person who can be forgiven by people whom I have hurt.” B.I‘s father watched the trial at the time and cried, saying, “Please give my son another chance and release him.”
Suspicions that B.I smoked marijuana in 2016 were belatedly exposed in 2019. At that time, B.I said on SNS, “It’s true that I had interest in something to rely on which I shouldn’t have at one point when I was having a hard and painful time. But I was too afraid and worried to follow through.” He then withdrew from iKON and terminated his exclusive contract with his former agency YG Entertainment. However, he later admitted some of the charges in a police investigation, and B.I was indicted in May on charges of purchasing marijuana and LSD and administering some of them.
B.I, who is currently under the management of IOK, released his first solo full-length album “Waterfall” on the 1st of last month. Regarding his comeback when he was handed over to trial, the agency said, “I admit my past mistakes and can’t reverse what has already happened, but I want to contribute to the world and help create a better society for the rest of my life. I apologize for releasing the recent news amid uncomfortable issues.”
Meanwhile, former YG producer Yang Hyun-seok, accused of trying to cover up the drug investigation by forcing and threatening A, who accused B.I of illegal drug use, held his first trial preparation date on August 13. At the trial, Yang Hyun-seok‘s lawyer denied all the charges and pleaded not guilty. The second trial preparation date for Yang Hyun-seok is scheduled to be held on the 17th.
