Celebrity chef faces trial on drug smuggling, use charges

By Park Si-soo

Lee Chan-oh

Celebrity chef Lee Chan-oh has been indicted for alleged drug smuggling and use, prosecutors said on Friday.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office is handling the case. Lee, 34, avoided detention as the court rejected the prosecution's request for an arrest warrant for lack of evidence.

The chef is suspected of having smuggled cannabis, also known as marijuana, in October and smoking it “multiple times.”

The first hearing of Lee's trial will be held on June 15 at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul.

Lee earned fame after featuring in the popular cooking show “Please Take Care of My Refrigerator.”