BIGBANG member T.O.P has been charged with marijuana use. The 29-year-old boy band member allegedly smoked the illegal substance at his home in Seoul in October 2016, months before his mandatory military training started.
Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said: "BIGBANG's T.O.P was handed over to prosecutors last April for charges regarding illegal drug use."
According to police, T.O.P's hair test was conducted, and it came out positive. He had reportedly denied the charges, saying: "I only smoked electronic cigarettes and I didn't know it was marijuana."
Meanwhile, YG Entertainment has responded to the incident. The label said in a statement: "Hello. This is YG Entertainment. Firstly, we relay our deepest apologies. After confirming with T.O.P, we have confirmed that as reported, during his military service, he was summoned to be investigated for smoking marijuana before his enlistment. He has finished with all of the investigations diligently, and in the investigation process, he has admitted to most of the allegations and is reflecting deeply. We are sorry once again for worrying many people."
South Korea has some of the strictest laws in the world about marijuana use. The crime is punishable by a jail term up to five years, or a fine of up to 50 million won (US$43,300).
