Korean actor Yoo Ah-in, known for the zombie film “#Alive” and series “Hellbound,” has been investigated by the police for suspicion of habitual abuse of propofol.
Propofol “is used to help you relax or sleep before and during surgery or other medical procedures,” according to the Mayo Clinic website.
It is highly regulated in South Korea and classified as a psychotropic drug, defined under the country’s Narcotics Control Act as “a drug that may affect the human central nervous system, thus deemed, if misused or abused, to cause serious harm and danger to human body.”
Propofol was linked to the death of pop star Michael Jackson.
Yoo Ah-in, 36, through his agency, admitted that he was investigated by the police.
"Yoo Ah-in was recently investigated by the police regarding propofol. We are actively cooperating with all investigations related to this, and we will actively explain the problematic part," UAA agency said.
Because of the investigation, Yoo Ah-in has been banned from leaving South Korea.
Korean media reported that the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency summoned and investigated Yoo Ah-in on Feb. 6 for violating the Narcotics Control Act.
It was discovered that propofol was habitually administered to Yoo Ah-in in various hospitals.
Korean media outlet Star News reported on Feb. 9 that Yoo Ah-in flew to Los Angeles on Feb. 4 but immediately returned to South Korea on Feb. 5, a day before he was investigated by the police.
Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, which monitors the distribution of psychotropic drugs, requested the police to investigate, saying that Yoo Ah-in’s prescriptions for propofol were too frequent
The police are currently requesting the National Forensic Service to examine Yoo Ah-in's hair to confirm whether he habitually used propofol.
Because propofol is being abused by people in South Korea, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety issued standards for its use.
“Medical professionals must properly adjust propofol dose based on the patient’s weight, always bearing in mind that propofol has a high risk of misuse and abuse,” the ministry said in a past statement.
It added, “Propofol should not be administered independently without reasons related to surgery, surgical procedures, or medical examinations. Also, it is advised that the number of propofol injection for simple surgical procedures does not exceed once every month and that medical professionals check on the patient’s propofol usage history before prescribing.”
Korean celebrities who were found guilty of misuse of propofol in the past include actor Ha Jung-woo, and singers Ga-in and Wheesung.