SEOUL (ANN/THE KOREA HERALD) – A scandal is erupting as authorities excessively probe celebrities in the wake of actor Lee Sun-kyun’s tragic suicide.
Lee’s death occurred just days after intense police questioning regarding alleged illegal drug use. The case was initially confidential, but leaked details on October 19 dealt a severe blow to the globally acclaimed actor’s reputation.
“It is not common to see the names of those under investigation revealed at such an early stage. When information in an investigation is exposed, the case will inevitably face difficulties getting resolved as the investigation’s strategy will also be exposed,” said a police official with experience in investigating drug abuse cases involving celebrities.
Lee’s attorney had said last week that any further questioning should be conducted privately, as the actor felt “pressured” by having to show up in front of cameras for police summons.
The attorney said the police didn’t accept Lee’s request to privately conduct a police summons.
Also, summons of celebrities solely based on the statement of one individual came under fire.
Regarding Lee’s case, police kicked off the investigation based on the statement of a 20-something host employed at a high-end bar in Seoul. She had a record of six convictions, including illegal drug use.
Based on her comments, police also summoned G-Dragon last month and booked him without detention on charges of allegedly violating the Narcotics Control Act.
But the investigation into G-Dragon abruptly wrapped up earlier this month after he tested negative in comprehensive analyses of his hair, toenail and fingernail samples through a rapid reagent drug test on Nov. 6.
The police claimed they had also been planning to end the investigation into Lee with no arraignment. Lee had also tested negative in both comprehensive analyses of his hair samples and a rapid reagent drug test.
On Thursday, the chief of the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency, which was responsible for cases of celebrities’ alleged drug use, said that the entire investigation process was strictly legitimate.
“The investigation into Lee was conducted following legal procedures based on specific statements and evidence. We carried out the recent questioning to thoroughly investigate Lee’s statement with his lawyer present.
“We have never asked the actor for public attendance to questioning sessions nor have we leaked information about the investigation,” said Kim Hee-joong, commissioner of the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency.