A month ago, K-pop band Big Bang’s T.O.P was hospitalised for drug overdose and nearly died.
Now, the pop star has received a 10-month suspended jail sentence for smoking marijuana on several occasions last year, and the 29-year-old rapper has also admitted it in court.
With that said, T.O.P, whose real name is Choi Seung-Hyun, received a much lighter punishment as his deep regret over his actions was taken into account. He also apologised to his fans.
The use of marijuana, whether recreational or medical, is illegal in South Korea, and it is a crime punishable for up to five years in prison or a 50 million won fine.
Choi was serving his mandatory military service as a policeman since February and he now faces a disciplinary review by the authorities, who will then decide if he is able to resume his duties or be discharged completely.
YG Entertainment’s Big Bang is one of Korea’s most celebrated boy bands with a worldwide fanbase. Another member, Seungri, is slated to visit Malaysia for the launch of YG Entertainment’s YG Republique at TREC KL soon. It will be a space combining K-pub, K-ramen and Samgeori Butcher’s.
