Yang Hyun-suk (52 years old), former YG Entertainment (hereafter referred to as YG) representative producer, appeared without a mask at the third trial regarding drug allegations of former iKON member B.I (real name Kim Han-bin, 26 years old).
On the afternoon of April 18th, the third trial was held at the Department 23 of the Seoul Central District Court on charges of Yang Hyun-suk’s violation of the Act on Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (threat of retaliation).
Former CEO Yang got out of the car 10 minutes before the trial and appeared in front of reporters, but he was in an unmasked state, in contrast to the appearance of the on-site security personnel wearing masks. With a stiff expression on his face, Yang Hyun-suk headed inside the court without wearing a mask.
Although social distancing was completely lifted from 00:00 on April 18th, it is still compulsory to wear a mask outdoors as it was decided on whether to wear a mask after 2 weeks of discussion. Former CEO Yang may have confused social distancing with wearing a mask, or he may have forgotten to leave it in the car, but it became difficult to avoid controversy over “no mask” as he was caught not wearing a mask at a gathering of many reporters. However, as a result of Star Today reporters’ confirmation, former CEO Yang is on trial inside the court while wearing a mask.
Former CEO Yang Hyun-suk was also criticized for not wearing a mask at Treasure’s concert held on April 9th and 10th.
Former CEO Yang is tried on charges of threatening Han, who accused YG Entertainment’s celebrity B.I of purchasing drugs, to change her statement in front of the police. He has denied all allegations of intimidation although it is true that he met Han. At this trial, Han, a whistleblower of the case and a former singer trainee who was accused of violating the Narcotics Control Act in 2016, will appear as a witness and carry out cross interrogation with Yang Hyun-suk.
