Ha Jung Woo Admits Illegal Use of Propofol During Trial, Prosecution to Fine 10 million Won

Korean actor Ha Jung-woo, 43, star of the film “Ashfall,” admitted to the illegal use of propofol, an intravenous anesthetic drug used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia, during the first day of his trial on Aug. 10 in Seoul. He was accused of using propofol for uses other than those prescribed by the doctor.

The 43-year-old actor has been charged with taking shots of the anesthetic-inducing medicine for non-medical purposes in Gangnam, Seoul, between January and September In 2019.

The prosecution requested the Seoul Central District Court to impose a monetary penalty because the actor had no prior history of drug misuse and admitted to his wrongdoing. The prosecutor filed for a fine of 10 million won ($8,700).

Propofol is a strictly regulated medicine in South Korea, with criteria for its use released by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in September

“Medical professionals must properly adjust propofol dose based on the patient’s weight, always bearing in mind that propofol has a high risk of misuse and abuse. Propofol should not be administered independently without reasons related to surgery, surgical procedures, or medical examinations,” the ministry said.

The Seoul Central District Court, on the other hand, denied him and ordered Ha Jung-woo to face a public trial.

Ha stated that he truly regrets his conduct and that he will work to become an actor that contributes to society.

“I regret and deeply reflect on how negligent and reckless he has been. As an actor who has received a lot of attention, I should have lived with more attention and lead by example, but I deeply apologize for causing concern and harm to my colleagues and my family because of me. “ The actor stated in the court.

For this case, Ha Jung-woo recruited ten attorneys from four law companies. The date of his sentence is set for September 14th.

The actor has been in a number of successful films, including “The Chaser” (2008) and “The Handmaiden” (2016).