Despite the recent death of actor Lee Sun-kyun (48) and the acquittal of singer G-Dragon (35, real name Kwon Ji-yong) on drug charges, the police are facing criticism for what many see as overzealous and baseless drug investigations into celebrities.
On October 19th, a local media outlet exposed Lee Sun-kyun's drug scandal. His name was leaked during the 'pre-investigation (internal investigation)' phase, which was based on simple intelligence. Singer G-Dragon was also reported to have been non-custodial indicted on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act.
However, both were ultimately found to be 'negative' for drugs. The police have been criticized for starting the investigation based solely on the statement of Ms. A (29), an entertainment establishment worker with six prior offenses, without any concrete evidence.
The police blamed the media. On the 20th of the last month, when a negative result was obtained from G-Dragon's hair, the police stated, "It seems the media conducted the investigation first," and "we are investigating other aspects (to prove the allegations) and are working to conclude this case quickly."
The statement by Ms. A, which triggered the 'drug scandal,' was deemed unreliable. In her police statement, she claimed, "In early December last year, suspicious packaging was found in the restroom after Mr. Kwon Ji-yong visited it," and "Mr. Kwon's behavior was odd afterward."
As the police investigation continued, Ms. A changed her statement, saying, "I did not see Mr. Kwon directly taking drugs," and suggested that "another actor who visited the entertainment establishment with him might have done it."
G-Dragon also expressed doubts about the credibility of Ms. A's statement. He even stated he didn't know who Ms. A was.
Eventually, G-Dragon was concluded to be 'without suspicion.'
Lee Sun-kyun appeared in the photoline three times. He underwent an intense 19-hour investigation during his third summons on the 23rd.
Especially, the police refused the request for a private summoning from Lee Sun-kyun's side. One day before the investigation, on the 22nd, Lee Sun-kyun's attorney stated in a phone call with Yonhap News, "Even though Mr. Lee is a public figure, the police have already publicly summoned him twice," and "we requested a private summoning this time, but they did not accept it."
Meanwhile, Lee Sun-kyun was found dead in his parked car near Waryong Park in Jongno-gu, Seoul, around 10:30 am on the 27th. The wake was held at the Seoul National University Hospital Funeral Hall, with the funeral scheduled for the 29th.
