Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Actor Ha Jung-woo denies drug abuse
By Jung Min-ho
Ha Jung-woo
By Jung Min-ho
Actor Ha Jung-woo has denied allegations he abused propofol, a hypnotic drug used for general anesthesia.
“Ha received laser treatment (for scars on his cheeks) about 10 times between January and September last year,” Walkhouse Company, Ha's agency, said Wednesday. “The doctor made the decision to use the drug for anesthesia. There was no abuse.”
The statement comes after media reports said Ha, 41, was investigated by the prosecution for allegedly using someone else's name to abuse propofol.
The agency admitted that Ha used his brother's name to take the drug at a clinic in Seoul, which could be considered a violation of medical law.
“The doctor thought it was important to protect Ha's privacy … Ha believed using a different name was part of his effort to protect his privacy,” the agency said. “Ha regrets that he gave personal information of his brother and manager to the doctor … We apologize for causing a misunderstanding.”
The prosecution is expected to question him soon.