Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
Actor denies drug abuse allegation
K-pop singer Park Yoo-chun speaks during a news conference at Press Center in central Seoul, Wednesday. He denied the allegation that he encouraged his former girl friend Hwang Ha-na to use prohibited drugs.
By Park Jin-hai
By Park Jin-hai
Park Yoo-chun, actor and a member of the K-pop boy group JYJ, has denied allegations that he encouraged his ex-girlfriend Hwang Ha-na, the granddaughter of the founder of a major Korean dairy producer, to use drugs.
In a press conference held at the Press Center, Wednesday evening, Park said, “I've never taken drugs nor did I force Hwang to use them.”
“At a time when I'm working hard every day in order to resume my activities, it is total nonsense that I've even thought about using drugs that can make all my efforts in vain.”
The 33-year-old star fell from grace following a rape charge brought against him in 2016, but he was legally cleared of the charge later.
Hwang has been taken into custody following suspicions of the abuse of prohibited drugs between May 2015 and April 2018.
During questioning, she allegedly said Saturday, “2015 was the year I used methamphetamine for the first time. Then for three years, I didn't touch any drugs at all. It was only from late last year and until recent that I started using it again. I was coerced by celebrity 'A.'” She also added, “'A' forcefully injected drugs into my body when I was asleep. He would get drugs or order me to get drugs.”
After Hwang's comments were known, rumors abounded that celebrity A was Park.
Park denied the allegation, claiming what she said was baseless.
He said he broke up with Hwang early last year, and since then, he claimed that she had blackmailed him.
Park said he didn't blame her at the time because she was with him in 2017 when he went through his toughest year. “The reason I decided to be here for this press conference is that if such an allegation is deemed true my career would end.”
Park said he had never heard from her about her drug abuse.