The agency of Korean rapper B.I, 24, formerly of K-pop boy band iKON, has released a statement on June 8 regarding the singer’s indictment on drug charges.
Korean media reported that the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office has indicted B.I without detention last May 28 for purchasing illegal drugs marijuana and LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) pills through an acquaintance between April and May 2016, and using some of them in violation of Korea’s Narcotics Control Act. His first trial is set for July 9.
On June 12, 2019, B.I announced that he was leaving iKON after Korean entertainment news site Dispatch published a news report on the same day about KakaoTalk messages between B.I and an unnamed female drug dealer, who turned out to be Han Seo-hee, in which he allegedly negotiated to buy LSD, a hallucinogen, in 2016.
“This is Kim Han Bin. First of all, I apologize for the trouble caused by my inappropriate actions. It is true that I once wanted to rely on something that I shouldn’t even have an interest in when I had a hard time. But I was scared and afraid to do it. Nevertheless, I am so embarrassed and sorry for the fans and members who are greatly disappointed and hurt because of my wrong words.” “I humbly reflect on my mistakes and I want to leave my team. Again, I bow my head and apologize to the fans and members. I’m sorry,” B.I wrote in an Instagram post.
After his announcement, YG Entertainment apologized and announced that his contract with the agency will be terminated.
In September 2019, it was reported that B.I now became a suspect after he admitted some of the allegations in the drug case. He was grilled by the police for 14 hours on Sept. 17, 2019 on accusations that he allegedly asked an acquaintance to buy marijuana in 2016 and use it.
Last June 1, B.I released his first solo full-length album “Waterfall.”
In a statement released on June 8, IOK Music, B.I’s agency, said, “The indictment against our artist relates to the purchase of drugs, a charge that has continued since 2019.”
“B.I has completed nine high-intensity investigations and drug reaction tests on allegations in accordance with legal procedures in 2020, and we are awaiting the details of the final ruling,” it said.
It added, “B.I has been contemplating the future direction with our company since the incident. We and the artist acknowledge the past mistakes. He can't undo what has already happened, but we have been thinking about ways to contribute to the world as a more upright member of society for the rest of his life."
“We hoped that the artist's existing influence could lead to a movement that would benefit society even a little, not just an act of comeback or self-reflection. With this, we released a charity album called ‘Midnight Blue’ and we felt that music could make a big difference and contribute to society that we thought,” said IOK Music, adding that same thought led to the release of B.I’s album “Waterfall.”
It said, “We apologize for showing you the current situation as we released the new album recently amid the uncomfortable issue of the artist. In addition, we are very sorry for causing concern to the fans who supported and cheered us for our move that may have been a bit hasty. Currently, the artist is waiting for the end of the charges.”
In addition, Yang Hyun-suk, former CEO of YG Entertainment, has been indicted for allegedly threatening and coercing Han Seo-hee to stop the police investigation against B.I.
Yang Hyun-suk stepped down from YG Entertainment after B.I announced his departure from iKON.