The arrest of Robert Holley, a naturalized Korean TV personality, as a suspected drug offender, serves as a serious warning on the spreading use of narcotics in society. It is shocking to see Holley face criminal charges not least because the American-Korean is a lawyer, foreign-born and Mormon who does not drink or smoke for religious reasons.
Holley, who has enjoyed popularity, speaking fluent Korean in an attractive Gyeongsang dialect, was taken into custody Monday evening for allegedly purchasing methamphetamines online and using them. He partly admitted the charges, according to police. A urine test conducted Tuesday showed traces of the substance.
The related authorities should not regard the case as simple deviation by a popular personality, but take it as an alarm to awaken to the seriousness of the spread of drugs following the recent drug scandals involving celebrities and some scions of owner families of conglomerates, or chaebol.
The latest series of drug offenses of some chaebol family members testify to the seriousness of the situation, proving that South Korea is no longer a drug-free country. A grandson of SK Group founder Chey Jong-gun was referred to the prosecution on suspicion of smoking marijuana. A grandson of Hyundai Group founder Chung Ju-yung was also booked without physical detention for using liquid marijuana.
Holley's case shows the purchase of drugs has become much easier than it used to be. As shown by him allegedly buying methamphetamines via the internet, anyone can contact drug dealers online and receive their products via international post.
The authorities are required to pay attention to liquid marijuana that has emerged as a new popular item favored by youngsters from rich families. Since it was detected for the first time in 2017, the amount of the smuggled narcotic substance tripled, according to police.
The law enforcement agencies have been criticized for being too lenient toward drug users believing that they do not harm “others.” Some countries such as the Netherlands and Canada do not ban the use of marijuana. However, drugs cause withdrawal symptoms and damage addicts mentally and physically. We should go all-out to regain the status as a drug-free country.