Lee Cheol-kyu's son sentenced to prison for drug use

Lee Cheol-kyu's son, who was indicted for violating the Narcotic Control Act, received a prison sentence in the first trial.

On the 18th, the 36th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Chief Judge Lee Jeong-yeop) sentenced Mr. Lee to 2 years and 6 months in prison for charges related to cannabis.

The court also ordered him to complete a 40-hour drug addiction rehabilitation program and pay a forfeiture amount of 5.12 million won.

Lee's wife, Ms. Lim, was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison, with a 3-year probation period, and was similarly ordered to complete a 40-hour drug addiction rehabilitation program and pay a forfeiture amount of 1.73 million won.

Mr. Lee's middle school classmate, Mr. Jeong, and his military senior, Mr. Kwon, who were indicted together, received sentences of 3 years in prison and 3 years in prison with 5 years of probation, respectively. They are also required to complete 40 hours of rehabilitation training and pay forfeiture amounts of 2.41 million won and 5.63 million won, respectively.

The court pointed out that Mr. Lee "has prior instances of deferred prosecution for cannabis use in 2020 and is the main instigator who caused the other defendants to participate in this crime," noting the high level of blame due to his smoking synthetic cannabis in public spaces, such as in front of an apartment elevator. However, the court explained the reasons for the sentencing by taking into account that he acknowledged his wrongdoing and had no previous convictions for similar offenses.

Details of attempted drug purchases and inhalation charges

Mr. Lee is accused of attempting to purchase cannabis at least 9 times in conspiracy with his wife and acquaintances since last October.

Direct communication with the dealer was mainly handled by Mr. Jeong, Mr. Lee's middle school classmate. Mr. Lee would give money to Mr. Jeong, who would then transfer it to the dealer through a virtual asset transfer agency.

They attempted to collect drugs using a rented car from various locations, including underground in an apartment complex in Gangseo-gu, in front of an officetel in Seocho-gu, in an apartment's sump pit, and in an open lot within a Suwon apartment complex, but were unsuccessful.

After several failed attempts, Mr. Lee's group successfully collected approximately 10 mL of synthetic cannabis from a public telephone booth in an apartment complex in Gangbuk-gu on February 1, and another 10 mL from under a pavilion in the same district on February 6.

Additionally, Mr. Lee and his wife are also accused of alternately inhaling synthetic cannabis at their residence on February 15.

It is known that Mr. Lee was previously referred to the prosecution for cannabis-related charges but received a non-prosecution disposition.

During the trial, Mr. Lee and the others admitted to all charges. In his final statement last month, he tearfully appealed, saying, "I destroyed myself with drugs that should never have even crossed my mind, and I have brought shame to my parents. I know my crime is far from minor, but please give me one chance so that I don’t regret it more later in life."

His wife, Ms. Lim, also stated, "I promise not to make the same mistake again and am striving to cut off drugs. I have been holding on steadfastly and will continue to be with my husband."

Image sources: Lee Cheol-kyu's son, Mr. Lee / News1, illustrative materials for the article / gettyimagesbank, News1