G-Dragon of the popular K-pop group BIGBANG has been summoned for questioning by the police regarding allegations of illegal drug use. This is the latest case involving South Korean artists and their involvement in high-profile narcotics scandals.
The investigation into G-Dragon, whose real name is Kwon Ji-yong, is a part of the government’s ongoing crackdown on illegal drugs under President Yoon Suk Yeol’s conservative administration.
Following the allegations in late October, the stock prices of some K-pop agencies, including G-Dragon’s former agency YG Entertainment, experienced a decline. However, they have since bounced back.
G-Dragon, who is 35 years old, briefly appeared before the media before entering a police station in Incheon. Over the weekend, Lee Sun-kyun, the star of the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” was also questioned on a separate accusation of illegal drug use at the same police station.
G-Dragon denied any wrongdoing and stated that he came to the police station to clear any suspicions against him. When asked about the allegations of drug abuse, he firmly stated that there is no truth to them.
Lee Sun-kyun chose not to comment on the issue of drug use as he left the police station, only mentioning that he had answered all the questions asked by the police to the best of his knowledge.
Recent arrests of chaebol heirs (family members of conglomerate owners) and celebrities on drug charges have prompted authorities to increase their efforts in cracking down on narcotics and conducting stricter customs inspections.
South Korea has strict drug laws, with crimes typically punishable by at least six months in prison and up to 14 years for repeat offenders and dealers.
According to drug rehab advocates, the accessibility of illegal drugs has significantly increased due to social media and foreign travel.
This is not the first time that a member of BIGBANG has faced criminal charges. In 2017, T.O.P., whose real name is Choi Seung-hyun, received a suspended 10-month jail sentence for marijuana use. Similarly, Seungri, whose real name is Lee Seung-hyun, was convicted in 2021 for collusion in tax evasion, bribery, and a prostitution scheme, serving an 18-month prison sentence.
BIGBANG, which debuted in 2006, has been a dominant force in the K-pop scene. Apart from G-Dragon, the group’s four other former and current members have pursued solo careers.
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