Embattled Korean actor Yoo Ah-in, 36, has issued an apology over his drug scandal that is threatening to end his career.
Yoo Ah-in tested positive for marijuana, cocaine, ketamine and propofol, and has been under investigation since he returned to South Korea from the US on Feb. 5.
Korean actor Yoo Ah-in faces the media on March 27 after undergoing investigation by the police for 12 hours about his drug scandal (Screenshot from Newsen video)
Yoo Ah-in the Netflix film "Seoul Vibe" (Netflix)
On March 27, the star of the zombie movie “#Alive” and Netflix film “Seoul Vibe, underwent an investigation for 12 hours at the police station.
The following day, Yoo Ah-in took to Instagram to issue an apology or nearly two months after the drug scandal broke out and said he will accept all criticism and judgment of the law.
“I made an insufficient apology right after the police investigation yesterday [March 27]. I apologize once again for disappointing many people who have loved and cherished me due to this unfortunate incident,” he said.
He added, “I would like to express my apologies for not being able to convey yesterday to those who have been with me in valuable work such as movies, dramas, and advertisements.”
“I deeply reflect on the moments when I irresponsibly endured heavy responsibilities, and I apologize for causing damage to the many colleagues and officials who tried to achieve their precious dreams and goals,” he said.
According to him, ““Many people supported me and gave me generous encouragement and affection, but I feel great regret and shame for the fact that I was harming myself while continuing my career as an actor.”
“During the time of insufficient reflection after the incident surfaced, I was clearly aware that my mistake was a mistake that could not be covered by any excuse. Self-justification was a wrong idea that could never cover my foolish choice,” he said.
Yoo Ah-in said, “I will diligently participate in the upcoming investigation and will gladly accept all of your criticisms and the judgment of the law.”
He is accused of abusing propofol. The police and Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said Yoo Ah-in administered 4,400 mL of propofol 73 times in 2021.
“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. Propofol should not be administered independently without reasons related to surgery, surgical procedures, or medical examinations,” according to a notice issued by the ministry in 2020.
It added, “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.”
Ketamine is a “short-acting anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects,” according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration website.
It added that ketamine is abused via “injected, Liquid mixed with liquids, Powder that is snorted mixed in drinks, or smoked.”
Ketamine produces “hallucinatory effects last 30-60 minutes, Distorts sights and sounds, Induces feelings of calmness and relaxation, relief from pain, Immobility and amnesia, Body feels out of control, Agitation, depression, unconsciousness, Hallucinations, Flashbacks.”
Ketamine was classified as a narcotic in Korean in 2006 due to concerns of misuse and abuse.
Due to his drug scandal, Yoo Ah-in was replaced by actor Kim Sung-cheol in the Netflix series “Hellbound 2.”
In addition, the release of his two Netflix films, ‘Goodbye Earth” and “The Match,” has been postponed due to the drug scandal.
“The release of 'GoodBye Earth' has been postponed after discussion with the production team. We will notify of its [new] release date when it is confirmed. Film 'The Match' [will] have its release held off for the time being,” said Netflix, Korea JoongAng Daily reported.