The South Korean entertainment industry, and the nation at large, is currently in turmoil over drug-related controversies. Unlike typical crimes, drug investigations pose challenges due to the difficulty in determining drug use and often necessitate prolonged inquiries.
Experts have stated, "Detecting drug substances in hair or urine samples doesn't necessarily guarantee the establishment of guilt, as other factors such as the drug's administration time and context also need consideration." Perhaps that's why the positions of actor Lee Sun-kyun and Big Bang's G-Dragon on their drug allegations differ so distinctly.
◆ Lee Sun-kyun's Ambiguous Response: "Will sincerely cooperate with the investigation"
After the drug allegations against top star L surfaced on the 19th, actor Lee Sun-kyun released an official statement via his agency on the 20th, stating, "We are currently verifying the exact circumstances surrounding the allegations against actor Lee Sun-kyun and intend to fully cooperate with potential upcoming investigations." Within a week, a surge of reports targeted Lee. Consequently, on the 24th, Incheon Police added charges of using controlled drugs other than cannabis, changing Lee's status from a person under inquiry to an accused.
On October 28, during Lee's first police summons, he apologized in front of the press saying, "I deeply apologize for causing disappointment by being involved in such an unfortunate incident." He also reaffirmed his intention to cooperate fully with the investigations. However, he remained silent when asked about admitting to drug charges and his relationship with Madam A, consistently responding, "I will sincerely attend the next investigation."
◆ G-Dragon's Firm Denial: "I've never used drugs"
In contrast to Lee Sun-kyun, Big Bang's G-Dragon (real name Kwon Ji-yong) has strongly denied the drug allegations. On October 25, the Incheon Police announced they were investigating G-Dragon for violating the Drug Control Act. Just six days after Lee's drug allegations, the entertainment industry was set abuzz.
However, G-Dragon, through his legal representative, Kim Soo-hyun of K-One Chambers, clarified, "I have never taken drugs and the recent media reports about me violating the Drug Control Act are unrelated."
As the drug allegations surfaced, old footage of G-Dragon displaying behavior similar to that of a 'Tweaker', a common symptom among drug addicts, came under scrutiny. Notably, back in 2011, G-Dragon had been investigated in Japan for smoking marijuana, which he explained away saying he "mistook it for a cigarette."
So, is G-Dragon's claim that he "never used drugs" true? Today (30th), Police Chief Yoon Hee-geun mentioned at a regular press conference that "aside from Lee Sun-kyun and G-Dragon, there are no other celebrities with additional allegations" and that nothing has been decided regarding G-Dragon's police summons. The question of whether G-Dragon's defense holds true or is deceiving the public remains ongoing.
Lee Sun-kyun and G-Dragon, with their distinct positions on drug allegations, remain at the center of unparalleled public interest.
