“`html
hwang Hana Indicted in Drug Case, Names Entertainers During Questioning
Concerns of another celebrity drug scandal are resurfacing in South Korea after Hwang Hana, a former girlfriend of singer Park Yoo-chun, was indicted on drug charges and reportedly mentioned other entertainers during questioning. The case has prompted fears of a wider inquiry into drug use within the entertainment industry.
Hwang Hana’s Arrest and Charges
Hwang, 37, the granddaughter of the founder of Namyang Dairy Products, was formally indicted and detained on January 20, 2024, for violations of the Narcotics Control Act, according too the anyang branch of the Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office Korea Times. Prosecutors allege that Hwang encouraged two acquaintances to use methamphetamine at an apartment in Seoul’s Gangnam district in July 2023 and personally administered the drug via injection.
Following a police search of one of her alleged accomplices, Hwang fled South Korea for Thailand. Despite learning her passport had been invalidated and an Interpol red notice issued, she illegally entered Cambodia. she remained abroad until late 2023, when she signaled her intention to surrender. Hwang was arrested by police aboard a South Korean aircraft at Phnom Penh International Airport.
Investigators confirmed Hwang attempted to persuade alleged accomplices to provide favorable testimony, contacting them and requesting “helpful testimony.” However, revised statements submitted through her lawyer were found to be false after follow-up investigations. One accomplice reported receiving retaliatory messages from Hwang.
Hwang has denied the charges, claiming she was merely present during the alleged drug use and did not administer any drugs.