Yoo Ah-in. Image: Nowfilm via The Korea Herald
South Korean actor Yoo Ah-in, who was summoned by authorities over allegations of drug use, has apologized to his fans and colleagues following the “shameful” incident.
Ah-in took to his personal Instagram account on Tuesday, March 28 to pen a lengthy apology note, a day after he was called to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency for a 12-hour questioning with authorities due to his alleged drug addiction, where he also apologized in front of the local media.
“I made an insufficient apology right after the police investigation yesterday. I would like to apologize once again for disappointing many people who have loved and cherished me with this shameful incident. I am sorry,” he said, according to a translation from Soompi.
The “Hellbound” star also expressed his dismay over “causing damage” to his colleagues in the entertainment industry, saying that his alleged drug use woes is a “mistake that cannot be covered by any excuse.”
“I would like to deliver the apologies that I was unable to express yesterday to those who have worked with me in valuable projects such as films, dramas, and advertisements,” he added, “Many people supported me and gave me unsparing encouragement and affection, but I feel great regret and shame for the fact that I was harming myself while continuing my career as an actor.”
“During the insufficient time of reflection after the incident surfaced, I recognized clearly that my mistake is a mistake that cannot be covered by any excuse,” he further added.
The actor also noted that he would “diligently participate in the upcoming investigation,” as he pointed out that he would “gladly accept” any consequences he will be receiving in the future.
“My self-justification was a fallacy that could never cover up my foolish choices. I will diligently participate in the upcoming investigation and will gladly accept all of your criticisms and punishment by the law. Once again, I would like to express my deepest apologies,” he said.
Earlier this month, Ah-in reportedly tested positive for cocaine and ketamine, which came just a month after he tested positive for marijuana and propofol, where the latter is said to be considered as a psychotropic drug under South Korea’s Narcotics Control Act.
Following the controversy, the actor was removed from the cast of the second season of the supernatural hit series “Hellbound,” and has been replaced by Kim Sung-cheol. EDV