
Korean boy group BTOB's member Il-hoon is currently under investigation for suspicions of marijuana use, Korean media outlets reported.
BTOB's entertainment label, Cube Entertainment, issued a statement confirming the suspicions.
On December 21, Korean broadcasting network Channel A reported that Il-hoon had been caught by the police using marijuana.
It was also reported that the police officials were able to confirm through testimonies from accomplices and through checking Il-hoon's bank account activity that he had used marijuana with acquaintances multiple times.
Il-hoon allegedly used marijuana from four to five years ago until last year.
#BTOB's #Ilhoon Under Investigation For Suspicions Of Marijuana Use https://t.co/loBHRzJ2SY pic.twitter.com/TbrMufLx4l
-- Soompi (@soompi) December 21, 2020
Furthermore, marijuana drug components were detected through a hair follicle test conducted on Il-hoon.
The police also reportedly secured evidence that Il-hoon purchased marijuana using cryptocurrency instead of cash to evade the police.
The singer also allegedly used cryptocurrency to purchase the drugs. He deposited money in an acquaintance's account who then converted it to cryptocurrency to buy marijuana.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced on Dec. 21 that it had sent the case of Il-hoon and his accomplices to the prosecution in July on charges of violating Korea's Narcotics Control Act.
Il-hoon enlisted for South Korea's mandatory military service on May 28 of this year and is now rendering his service as a public service worker.
Channel A pointed out that Il-hoon could have enlisted to prevent the case from being uncovered and to postpone criminal punishment as the case was being investigated when he entered the military.
Cube Entertainment told Channel A, “We had no knowledge that Ilhoon had been caught using marijuana. Although his enlistment had been set for March, it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Cube Entertainment released the following statement on December 21:
"Hello, this is Cube Entertainment.
"We checked with Il-hoon himself regarding the news report today, and we confirmed that he has been summoned by the investigative agency and is under investigation for suspicions of smoking marijuana, as the report said.
"We feel a deep sense of responsibility for having caused worry to so many people. We will do everything that is required of us so that he can faithfully comply with the ongoing investigation.
"We once again apologize for causing concern to so many people."
Smoking marijuana is punishable by imprisonment with labor up to five years or a fine of up to 50 million won (about $45,075) under South Korean law.
Prior to his enlistment in the military, Il-hoon wrote a lengthy message to his fans on Instagram. "In fact, I am writing this to reveal the news of my enlistment. I am sorry that I did not communicate properly with you while taking a break from activities. You may have felt a lot of frustration with only the occasional news from people you believe and love without contacting them. I'm sorry again. But during that time, I was taking the time to focus on myself and take care of myself.
"It seems like I've been leaving such a long post for a long time, but I'm sorry for that as it seems to be a sudden news.
"However, you may well know that as a man in Korea, I also have to fulfill my obligations. If it is long, it will be long and if it is short, it will be a short time, but I will return to a healthier and happier appearance.
"In the meantime, I hope you are also happy. Thanks for reading the long article! I love you again melody."
Il-hoon is scheduled to be released from the military on February 22, 2020.
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