A three-year prison sentence has been demanded for Kim Bada (55, real name Kim Jung-nam), a former member of the rock band Sinawi who is standing trial on charges of possessing and smoking marijuana.

During the sentencing hearing held on the 28th by Judge Joo Chul-hyun of the Echo Branch of the Chuncheon District Court, the prosecution requested a three-year prison term, along with the forfeiture of seized items and an additional collection of 500,000 won.

The prosecution explained the reasoning for the sentencing demand, stating, "Although the defendant is confessing, he committed a reoffense despite having a prior record for the same crime," and added, "It appears that he has been using the substance over a long period."

Kim was brought to trial on charges of smoking marijuana on March 8 of last year, and on March 8 of this year, smoking marijuana and possessing 2 grams of marijuana for the purpose of smoking.

Police obtained an arrest warrant and, after tracking him for about two months, apprehended Kim at a location in Sokcho around 8:30 PM on March 8 of this year.

In the past, around 2008 to 2009, Kim was sentenced to one year in prison suspended for two years on charges of smoking marijuana with acquaintances or purchasing marijuana through acquaintances, but avoided actual prison time under conditions such as probation, taking into account that it was his first offense.

Kim's defense counsel stated in closing arguments, "He is making efforts to completely sever ties with marijuana, such as voluntarily attending support groups for drug addicts," and added, "The defendant has not provided or distributed it to others."

The counsel continued, "There is a background of long-standing anguish that led him to commit this wrongdoing," and added, "The defendant has lived with a sense of self-reproach for failing to act as a father due to a severed relationship with his two sons, which led to insomnia, anxiety, and depression for which he even received hospital treatment."

In his final statement, Kim said, "I committed the crime of smoking marijuana due to a momentary lapse in judgment," and added, "I have resolved and sworn with a heart coughing up blood never to touch illegal marijuana again."

He went on to plead for leniency, saying, "The sight of those who suffered because of me weighed more heavily on me than my 30-year music career," and earnestly requested, "Please look upon my desperate reflection and resolution, and give me a chance to live right."

Emerging from the court and meeting reporters, Kim Bada pledged, "My fans trusted and waited for me, and I am deeply sorry that such an incident happened again," adding, "I will ensure that something like this never happens again and work even harder at the duties entrusted to me."

The sentencing hearing will be held at 2:00 PM on the 25th of next month.
 
(Photo: Yonhap News)