With the industry noisy with certain controversies involving assault, gambling, and military service evasion, yet another scandal is being added to the list: a few celebrities are being involved with drug usage, making it the worst year for the industry yet. Not one but a few have been targeted behind the crime, some being broadcast stars R and K, singer K, and actors H, S, and C. Seoul Central Prosecutor's Office revealed on the 19th that a director of cosmetic surgery and the hospital were charged on September 19th for using propofol under the intention of receiving hallucinations. Five gynecology doctors as well as a nurse and former head consult were also charged for the improper use and sale of propofol. According to the prosecutors, these individuals sold a shot of propofol at nearly $100 to $400 USD when it's normally given for $10, earning a profit totaling to $500,000 USD. The prosecutors also found that popular celebrities such as R, K, H, S, and C have been inappropriately using propofol. The drug is often nicknamed 'milk' by those that use it, and is advertised as a 'vitamin shot' or a 'pick me up.' The drug is said to be highly popular amongst celebrities since Korea does not consider it an illegal drug. However, the addictions and hallucinations caused by propofol are strong enough to end a life, leading the Korea Food & Drug Administration to declare it illegal as of 2011. According to the administration, 34 deaths were reported under propofol since 2000. Kim Hee Jun of the Seoul Central Prosecutor's Office stated in an interview with SBS News, "There are celebrities that are spending $2,000-30,000 USD a month on this drug." Representatives of K revealed, "We know that he used it 1~2 times in order to cure his insomnia last year. However, he hasn't used it again and is especially careful now that it is deemed illegal." Representatives of R and H stated, "They both have never used it, we are failing to understand why their names are being mentioned." Representatives of K and S stated, "They've only used propofol for treatment." A representative of Seoul Central Prosecutor's Office revealed, "Celebrities often use propofol as a sleeping medication when suffering from insomnia due to their unsteady schedules. We will begin investigations once it officially becomes illegal next year. We will be observing them until then." Source: TV Report, Sports Seoul, Daily Sports