Actor Yoo Ah In, who is on trial for habitual drug use, has submitted two letters of reflection to the court, pleading for leniency.

On November 19th, the Criminal Division 5 of the Seoul High Court held the second appellate trial for Yoo Ah In and his acquaintance, Mr. Choi, who were indicted on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act.

Yoo appeared in court wearing a light blue prison uniform, a stark contrast to his usual public image. In September, the actor was sentenced to one year in prison and taken into custody during his first trial. This marked his first appearance in a prison uniform, with his hair cropped short and wearing round glasses as he continued his appeal.

Defense Rebuts Prosecution’s Claims

Yoo’s legal team challenged the prosecution’s arguments for a heavier sentence, providing detailed rebuttals on four key points.

The defense denied allegations that Yoo used his wealth to consume drugs abroad, admitting to smoking marijuana in Los Angeles, USA, but attributing it to a moment of curiosity during his travels rather than premeditated drug use.

Regarding claims that Yoo deceived doctors to obtain drugs, his team explained that, as an actor, he required cosmetic procedures to maintain his appearance. “Before this case, Yoo received cosmetic treatments approximately once a month, which sometimes involved the unavoidable use of propofol. Some of the doctors administering the propofol were aware of his prior treatments at other hospitals. The allegations that Yoo leveraged his status to silence people or avoid court summons are unsubstantiated,” they argued.

They also denied accusations that Yoo threatened or coerced witnesses to leave the country. The defense stated, “The prosecution is making excessive claims that Yoo obstructed investigations or tampered with evidence.”

Personal Reflections and Plea for Leniency

Yoo’s legal team submitted a letter explaining the personal and professional consequences of his actions. “While he acknowledges the consequences of his poor choices, Yoo has suffered significant damage to his acting career and must live under intense public scrutiny,” the statement read. The defense also noted that Yoo’s insomnia, compounded by depression, contributed to his decisions.

They emphasized that the penalties Yoo faces are disproportionately severe compared to those faced by ordinary individuals. His team highlighted his philanthropic efforts, including donations to underprivileged communities, and appealed for consideration of his positive societal contributions alongside his mistakes.

Loss of His Father

Yoo’s team mentioned the emotional toll of losing his father during the ongoing trial. “Yoo feels deep guilt, believing his actions worsened his father’s illness, ultimately leading to his passing. He must live with this burden,” they said. Yoo’s father passed away on August 8th.

Background and First Trial

Yoo was indicted in October last year on charges of habitual use of propofol (181 times between September 2020 and March 2022), purchasing sleeping pills under another person’s name (44 times), and marijuana use. He was sentenced to one year in prison in his first trial.

Mr. Choi, a co-defendant, received an eight-month sentence with a two-year suspended sentence. While the court found Yoo guilty of marijuana use and habitual drug purchases, he was acquitted of evidence tampering and instructing others to use marijuana.

The prosecution, dissatisfied with the one-year sentence, appealed, arguing the punishment was far lighter than the recommended four years. Yoo’s team also appealed the verdict.

The next hearing is scheduled for November 28th.