K-pop star G-Dragon under police probe for alleged drug use
Picture of G-Dragon
K-pop star G-Dragon -- of the wildly successful but problem-plagued band BIGBANG -- is under investigation for alleged drug use, police said Thursday, becoming the latest in a string of South Korean entertainers to face such a probe.
South Korea has extremely tough legislation on illegal drugs and even Koreans who take drugs like marijuana legally overseas risk prosecution upon returning to their home country.
This year, President Yoon Suk Yeol called for more stringent measures to eliminate drug traffickers, saying the country was no longer "drug-free".
Britney Spears memoir: Michelle Williams' impression of Justin Timberlake in audiobook goes viral
Police in Incheon told AFP on Thursday that they had "opened an investigation" into G-Dragon's case, but declined to provide details of the allegations against him.
The disclosure comes less than a week after police launched an investigationinto "Parasite" actor Lee Sun-kyun, who stands accused of using marijuana andother psychoactive drugs.
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Understanding Tata Sierra’s diesel engine mileage
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Near-zero interception cost, unlimited magazine’: Top 6 features of Iron Beam, world’s first operational laser shield
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Israel's Iron Beam vs Iron Dome: How world’s first operational laser shield differs from most deployed air defense system
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Tata Sierra's petrol mileage: How efficient is the 1.5 NA engine?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'100kW laser weapon system that intercepts threats for near-zero cost': What makes Iron Beam revolutionary?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
What are Tamir missiles and why does Israel rely on them for Iron Dome System?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Tata Sierra 'Petrol vs Diesel': Which engine offers better value?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Bigg Boss 19: All housemates' salaries per week: Who earns the highest and who charges the least? Full details inside
Local news reports said that Lee -- previously celebrated for his wholesome image -- was being dropped from his ongoing television and commercial projects.
Post world premiere at TIFF, Guneet Monga's Yellow Bus to come to India
Earlier this month, another high profile actor, Yoo Ah-in, was indicted for alleged drug use.
G-Dragon's group BIGBANG is one of South Korea's most successful boy bands, having sold at least 140 million records worldwide since their debut in 2006.
But its members have often been in the limelight for misconduct.
Group member Seungri retired from show business in 2019 amid mounting criminal investigations, and was later sentenced to 18 months in prison for offering up women to potential investors for sexual services, among other charges.
Rapper T.O.P -- who in May revealed he had "withdrawn" from BIGBANG -- received a suspended jail sentence in 2017 for usingmarijuana.
G-Dragon himself was also investigated for marijuanause in 2011, although he was released without indictment at the time.
