Actor Yoo Ah-in (37, real name Uhm Hong-sik), who was indicted without detention on charges of habitual drug use, attended court
Around 10 AM on the morning of Dec 12th, Yoo Ah-in appeared at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, bowed his head in front of the press and apologized. Wearing an all-black long coat, Yoo Ah-in said, “I’m sincerely sorry to those who have been worried about me during this time. I’ll faithfully participate in the remaining trial process.”
He added “I apologize once again to those who have been disappointed and suffered because of me” then headed to the court. When asked about the postponement of the trial date, Yoo Ah-in hesitated before answering, “I think there were some circumstances related to my lawyer.” He entered the courtroom without responding to questions such as “Do you admit to habitual drug use 181 times?” and “Did you recommend marijuana to your companions?“
The Criminal Agreement Division 25-1 of the Seoul Central District Court (Chief Judges Park Jung-gil, Park Jung-je, Ji Gwi-yeon) will hold the first trial for Yoo Ah-in and another defendant, Choi (32), who were indicted on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropic drugs).
During the first trial, the court will confirm the charges against actor Yoo Ah-in as well as assess the admissibility of evidence presented by the prosecution.
On Oct 19th, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office indicted Yoo Ah-in without detention on 8 charges, including habitual use of propofol, illegal acquisition of prescription sleeping pills in someone else’s name, marijuana smoking, and aiding and abetting the destruction of evidence.
The main points of contention in the trial are expected to include the number of drug uses, the habitual and intentional nature of drug use, and whether Yoo Ah-in taught marijuana smoking to acquaintances.
Yoo Ah-in’s attitude during the trial will also be crucial, as a consistent denial or lack of remorse may work against him. The strategic approach of Yoo Ah-in and his legal team will play a significant role in the proceedings. Yoo Ah-in submitted a request to change the trial date through Haegwang Law Firm on Nov 10th, which the court accepted, granting him an additional month.
Source: Naver
