Korean actor Yoo Ah In appeals for leniency in drug case trial

Korean actor Yoo Ah In has appealed for leniency in the second trial for a drug case he is embroiled in. The 38-year-old actor was arrested in court in the first trial and was sentenced to prison for one year. He was also fined 2 million won. He has been accused of drug abuse and obstructing justice under Korea’s Narcotics Control Act. The court acknowledged his repeated drug procurement but acquitted him of marijuana use and evidence tampering charges.

As per reports from Korean media, he has appealed for leniency in the second trial. His lawyer argued that Yoo Ah In did not isolate the law maliciously by using loopholes in laws and regulations, but he became dependent on sleep anaesthesia when he was already physically and mentally struggling.  

The actor’s lawyer also said that the original trial’s sentence is “too heavy and unfair.” The Criminal Division 5 of the Seoul High Court will hold the second hearing on the 19th of November. Meanwhile, the actor remains in custody as his detention period has been extended. Yoo Ah In has been found guilty of illegally acquiring 1,100 sleeping pills by using a different identity and smoking marijuana in the United States. He is also accused of attempting to intimidate an accomplice to destroy evidence and alter testimony.