Ha Jung Woo Apologizes After Receiving Fine For Illegal Propofol Use

Actor Ha Jung Woo has been fined for the illegal use of Propofol.

Propofol is a sleep inducer and anesthetic and it is illegal in South Korea to use it outside of surgical procedures. In February 2020, it was reported that prosecutors were investigating Ha Jung Woo for acquiring Propofol multiple times at a plastic surgery clinic under his brother’s name. His agency released a statement denying that the actor had intentionally hid his identity or gone to the clinic for anything other than treatment for a facial scar. The actor also shared text messages that he had exchanged with the clinic in question.

On May 28, the Seoul Central District Court summarily indicted Ha Jung Woo on the charge of illegally injecting Propofol at a plastic surgery clinic in Gangnam, Seoul. A summary indictment is when the prosecution requests the court hold a written hearing via summary procedure after judging that the defendant should receive a fine rather than a prison sentence.

Although Ha Jung Woo had denied the charges, the prosecution judged that the fact that he had had Propofol multiple times under his brother or his manager’s name constituted illegal use of the drug.

On June 3, Ha Jung Woo released a statement of apology via his agency.

Hello, this is actor Ha Jung Woo.

On May 28, I received a fine regarding Propofol use. Throughout the entire police investigation, I have spoken the truth, and I accept the punishment handed down with a humble heart.

I received treatment at a dermatology clinic for an acne scar on my face. When I underwent particularly painful treatment, such as laser surgery, I received the treatment under anesthesia.

I understand that the prosecution has judged that the anesthesia used between January and September 2019 was in excess of what was needed for the surgical procedures described above.

I should have been more strict in self-management as an actor who receives much love from the public. I had been complacent in thinking that I was doing nothing wrong since I was actually undergoing treatment, and I am self-reflecting on this complacency now.

I would like to sincerely apologize to all those who have sent me their love and support, all those who are connected to projects that I have appeared in the past or will appear in the future, all the staff at my agency, and everyone in my family.

I will practice more self-regulation so that I can act with more care in future.

Thank you.

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