Actor Yoo Ah In’s associate arrested for alleged drug use in the U.S.

A 30-year-old YouTuber surnamed Yang, suspected of using drugs alongside actor Yoo Ah In (real name Uhm Hong Shik) during a trip to the U.S., has been arrested by police. The Narcotics Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency detained Yang on drug-related charges on October 31st after obtaining a warrant for his arrest.

Yang is accused of consuming marijuana with Yoo Ah In and other acquaintances while traveling in the U.S. in January 2023. When investigations began into alleged drug use by these acquaintances, Yang reportedly fled to France in April. After living as a fugitive, he voluntarily returned to Korea on October 28th and was apprehended at Incheon International Airport.

The police had previously issued an arrest warrant for Yang, nullified his passport, and sought assistance from Interpol. Following his arrest, police applied for a detention warrant, which was approved due to concerns about Yang’s flight risk. He is expected to be transferred to the prosecution on November 5th.

In a related case, hairstylist and YouTuber Haermon (Kim Woo Joon, 33) received a fine of 5 million won and was ordered to complete 40 hours of drug rehabilitation for similar charges.

Yoo Ah In was indicted without detention last October on charges of habitual propofol use, illegally obtaining sedatives under another’s name, marijuana use, and obstruction of justice. Last month, he was sentenced to one year in prison and fined 2 million won. Both the prosecution, which had sought a four-year prison term, and Yoo Ah In have appealed.

Yoo Ah In’s legal team argued, “The defendant did not maliciously exploit loopholes in medical regulations. He developed a dependency on sedatives due to physical and mental distress and had been actively seeking healthy ways to manage his sleep disorder prior to this case. Despite showing significant progress, the imposition of a prison sentence is excessive and unfair.”

The next hearing is scheduled for November 19th at 11:30 a.m. KST.

SEE ALSO: Actor Yoo Ah In appeals drug sentence, cites personal struggles and career impact