Police in Seoul are cracking down on weed. Now, they’re investigating Big Bang’s T.O.P for smoking marijuana.
Since February, Big Bang’s T.O.P has carried out his mandatory military service in the band unit of the Seoul National Police Agency. Earlier today, police arrested the rapper for allegedly smoking marijuana.
Under South Korean law, people caught using marijuana may face up to five years in jail. They could also face a fine of up to 50 million won ($44,567.50). Big Bang’s T.O.P allegedly smoked marijuana last October with “a female acquaintance,” prior to the start of his mandatory military service.
The Seoul Drug Criminal Investigation Department brought up the charges after performing a hair test. The results came back positive for smoking weed. But it’s not known whether the Big Bang rapper smokes marijuana habitually.
Citing the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, Yonhap News Agency wrote,
“Police have sent the case to the prosecution, recommending indictment.”
In a statement, the band’s label, YG Entertainment, said,
“Hello. This is YG Entertainment. Firstly, we relay our deepest apologies. After confirming with T.O.P, we have confirmed that as reported, during his military service, he was summoned to be investigated for smoking marijuana before his enlistment. He has finished with all of the investigations diligently, and in the investigation process, he has admitted to most of the allegations and is reflecting deeply. We are sorry once again for worrying many people.”
In the police investigation, T.O.P had initially denied smoking marijuana. He reportedly said,
“I only smoked electronic cigarettes and I didn’t know it was marijuana.”
Following the initial investigation, the police agency confirmed that the “female acquaintance” was also a trainee. Big Bang’s T.O.P and the female trainee smoked marijuana at the rapper’s home three times.
Several years ago, Big Bang’s leader, G-Dragon, faced a similar charge. He tested positive for the substance. G-Dragon claimed to have unknowingly smoked marijuana after a fan offered it to him. That defense proved effective. Accordingly, police never charged G-Dragon.