
South Korean actor Yoo Ah-in has been arrested in connection with the illegal use of the anaesthetic drug propofol. He was given a one-year jail sentence, according to Yonhap news agency.
Yoo Ah-in was born as Uhm Hong-sik. He was accused of using the illegal drug on 181 occasions between 2020 and 2022. These drugs were given at professional clinics, under the guise of having cosmetic procedures done.
As the case went to court, the prosecution asked for a tough four-year sentence but the actor was instead given a one-year jail sentence.
As per reports, the court stated, "He is deemed guilty of all his purchases for habitual drug use.”
The court said that the actor had committed the offences "in disregard of relevant regulations" and displayed a "lack of caution against drug substances". A doctor who administered propofol to Yoo without a proper prescription was fined 40 million won ($30,000) last month.
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The drug called Propofol is used as a surgical anaesthetic. It is however sometimes abused recreationally, often with the involvement of medical professionals who may be willing to provide it without any medical need for it.
It is the same drug that is believed to have led to pop star Michael Jackson's death in 2009.
After the jail term announcement, the Hellbound actor said, "I am sorry for having caused concern to many people.”
Yoo Ah-in rose to stardom in South Korea following his debut in 2003 as he featured in several TV dramas and films. He became one of the most recognisable actors of South Korea.