Former BIGBANG member G-Dragon (GD, real name Kwon Ji-yong) has denied drug allegations. However, as an investigation is impending, numerous rumors and speculations are surrounding the situation.
Previously, the Incheon Police Department's Drug Crime Investigation Unit booked actor Lee Sun-kyun and G-Dragon without detention for violating drug control laws.
Lee Sun-kyun appeared at the Incheon Nonhyeon Police Station for questioning five days after being booked, while a travel ban has been placed on G-Dragon, with the investigation schedule being adjusted.
G-Dragon firmly denied the drug consumption allegations. Through his legal representative on the 27th, he stated, "I have never consumed drugs. I clarify that I am not related to the recently publicized news about 'violating drug control laws.' However, I understand that many are concerned and will actively cooperate and approach the investigation sincerely."
Nevertheless, with his summoning for investigation imminent, various rumors and speculations targeting G-Dragon have arisen.
In an interview with Yonhap News TV on October 28, attorney Lim Hye-joo predicted, "If G-Dragon is found to have taken drugs, considering his previous incidents, a much heavier sentence might be handed down."
Additionally, lawyer Yang Ji-min remarked in a YTN News interview on the 29th that sometimes individuals involved in drug cases make claims to clear their names. Still, when a celebrity's name emerges, the police tend to conduct a quiet internal investigation due to the potential damages. He continued, "An indictment only happens when significant evidence is found. Just as with Lee Sun-kyun, the fact that investigative agencies booked Kwon Ji-yong indicates there's significant evidence. While he denies it, one must wonder if this is a strategy."
Furthermore, he speculated, "If drug consumption happened but was a long time ago, there's a chance to evade forced investigation. Or he might claim that he unknowingly consumed or was administered the drug."
There's significant interest in the team of lawyers G-Dragon has hired. Lee Jin-ho, who runs a YouTube channel, recently claimed in a live broadcast that G-Dragon has appointed a law firm where a former constitutional judge is a representative attorney.
Lee Jin-ho said, "I was surprised when I saw G-Dragon's law firm," emphasizing that "he has appointed a law firm with a former constitutional judge who was involved in the presidential impeachment case. They're thoroughly preparing for this situation."
He also speculated on the attorney fees, suggesting that while a typical case involving a famous celebrity might cost around 10 billion won, more challenging cases might cost much more. "If you're using top-tier lawyers, it might range from 10 billion to 20 billion won," he added.
Meanwhile, G-Dragon was previously referred to the prosecutor's office in 2011 for allegedly smoking marijuana in a club in Japan. However, the prosecutors did not indict him because it was his first offense, and the amount smoked was minimal. Later, G-Dragon expressed his frustration on SBS's 'Healing Camp,' explaining that the issue arose when he unknowingly smoked a cigarette handed to him by a stranger during a tour party.
