According to a report by K-media outlet tvReport, a 43-year-old anesthesiologist from a well-known hospital in Gangnam has been sentenced to four years in prison for supplying illegal drugs in connection with the blackmail case involving the late Parasite actor Lee Sun Kyun. The Incheon District Court issued the sentence during a hearing on September 24, where prosecutors disclosed that the doctor, identified only as “A,” had provided drugs such as methamphetamine and ketamine over an eight-month period, from December 2022 to August 2023.
The drugs were allegedly supplied to the manager of an adult entertainment establishment, referred to as “B,” who blackmailed Lee Sun Kyun. B reportedly threatened to reveal details of their relationship unless the actor paid 300 million KRW (approximately 225,000 USD). Alongside drug-related charges, B is also facing trial for administering narcotics on three separate occasions.
Prosecutors argued that A abused his medical position to acquire narcotics for personal use and showed no remorse for his actions. They noted that A tried to delay the trial by claiming a key witness testified against him due to personal issues. While A admitted to some charges, he denied direct involvement with B and asked for leniency in sentencing.
A’s defense claimed that he was unjustly linked to B and emphasized that his medical career had already been ruined. They requested a lighter sentence, citing his elderly parents’ health and his desire to return to the medical field.
Additionally, A faces separate charges for smoking marijuana with an acquaintance in January 2021 and purchasing liquid marijuana later that same year.
Lee Sun Kyun, who was under investigation for drug use in late 2023, denied all accusations and tested negative during police screenings. Sadly, the actor passed away in December 2023, with his body found in his car. The case surrounding his blackmail and alleged drug involvement was officially closed in August 2024, after five individuals were indicted.
The final ruling on both A and B is scheduled for October 31.