Big Bang’s T.O.P under probe for marijuana use
SEOUL: Big Bang’s T.O.P - who is currently serving his mandatory military service in the promotional unit of the National Police Agency - has admitted to smoking marijuana, an illegal substance in Korea.
The 29-year- old rapper and actor was found smoking the illegal substance in October last year before his military training, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA) said Thursday.
The charge surfaced after an analysis of T.O.P’s hair sample earlier this year proved positive to the drug.
The National Police Agency’s narcotics investigation team booked him without arrest and sent the case to prosecutors.
The star, whose real name is Choi Seung Hyun, allegedly smoked the illegal drug three times with a woman in her 20s at his home in Yongsan- gu, Seoul, in October, according to local daily Money Today.
Police were tipped off in March. They confronted the rapper in April - while he was involved in a drill at the Riot Police Training Center in Byeokje, Gyeonggi Province - with an order for a hair sample.
Meanwhile, T.O.P’s management company YG Entertainment said in a statement that the Into the Fire star has admitted to the charge, according to further reports.
He is “following through with all investigative measures by attending police investigation in the midst of his public service duties,” said YG, as cited by Korean entertainment portal Allkpop. “We apologise for worrying so many people,” the statement read.
YG faced a similar case in 2011 after Big Bang leader G-Dragon tested positive for marijuana, which he claimed to have consumed unknowingly after it was offered by a fan. The 28year- old was not penalised.
He is following through with all investigative measures by attending police investigation in the midst of his public service duties. We apologise for worrying so many people. T.O.P’s agency