The Seoul Central District Court has rejected the arrest warrant requested by the prosecution for renowned drama and film actor Yoo Ah-in (“Hellbound”), who is under investigation for violation of the Narcotics Control Act.
On May 24th, the court, led by Chief Judge Lee Min-su, turned down the warrant request for Yoo Ah-in, citing several reasons for the decision. The court stated that the evidence had largely been secured, and Yoo himself had admitted to a significant portion of the charges.
It was also noted that the actor showed remorse for marijuana use, and there was some contention regarding cocaine use that warranted safeguarding the right to defense. The judge also considered the actor’s stable residence and the absence of a criminal record for similar offenses in the past.
The court further expressed that it would be difficult to definitively say that the defendant would destroy evidence or flee, considering various circumstances such as the testimony of the defendant and his attorney. Thus, the court found it difficult to justify the necessity and grounds for detention at this stage.
Mr. A, who is known to be a close friend and accomplice of Yoo Ah-in, also had his arrest warrant rejected and was allowed to return home.
Last week, the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency applied for an arrest warrant for Yoo and A, citing the potential for the destruction of evidence and flight risk. This request was also based on the suspicion that they had concealed their real residential addresses. The prosecutors also filed a warrant of arrest on Monday over similar concerns.
Although Yoo Ah-in has avoided immediate detention and currently remains free, he now confronts a heightened possibility of receiving a prison sentence. The potential for a prison sentence has increased significantly due to the abundance of evidence secured and his own admission to the drug charges. The future direction of the investigation and trial is expected to see the actor arguing to reduce this sentence.
Legal experts warned that if Yoo receives a prison sentence while in this state of non-detention, the duration of the trial could extend considerably.
Sources: TV Daily, Xports News