The first hearing was held at 10 a.m. on the 17th at the Anyang Branch of the Suwon District Court for alleged violations of the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropics). According to the court, when police searches began targeting a co-offender three years ago, Hwang left for Thailand the next day and later illegally entered Cambodia from Thailand. After remaining on the run, she expressed her intention to turn herself in late last year, was escorted to Gwacheon Police Station for questioning, and was indicted and detained earlier this year.
In court, Hwang wore a blue prison uniform with her hair neatly tied back. She did not wear a mask. She occasionally conferred with her attorney and appeared relatively engaged, at one point turning to look toward the gallery.
Prosecutors alleged that in July 2023, at an apartment in Seoul’s Gangnam district, Hwang injected methamphetamine in a syringe form to acquaintances. Based on related testimonies, prosecutors view her not as a simple user but as a leading figure who encouraged and participated in the administration.
Hwang’s side stated, “We deny the charges,” rejecting the indictment in its entirety. The defense said they have not yet secured all case records, expressed non-consent to parts of the evidence, and indicated they plan to proceed with witness examinations after obtaining the materials.
Some witnesses requested by Hwang’s side are said to have been directly involved, making potential accomplice relationships a key point of contention. A central issue is expected to be whether she administered drugs to others, not just personal use. Under the current Narcotics Control Act, meth use and solicitation or aiding can be punished by up to 10 years in prison. If someone is found to have actively encouraged or directly injected another person, penalties can be heavier than for simple use.
Ahead of the first hearing, multiple changes to Hwang’s defense drew attention. Court records show that on the 16th, dismissals of existing legal representatives were filed, followed by new attorney appointments and opinions. Multiple law firms are now listed as her counsel in the case.
The next hearing is scheduled for May 14. Related parties are expected to be called for questioning in sequence after that.
Previously, Hwang received a suspended sentence in 2019 for drug use. She offended again during the suspension period, and on January 21, 2022, the Supreme Court finalized a prison sentence of 1 year and 8 months.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
댓글