Ha Jung-woo Propofol Accusations, Clinic Doctor Admits to Most Accusations

A doctor of a beauty clinic who was suspected of habitually giving propofol to movie stars, fashion designers, chaebol owners and entertainment agency heads has admitted to most of the charges.

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Judge Jeong Jong-geon of the Seoul Central District Court held the first hearing of the head of a plastic surgery clinic, identified only by his surname Kim, and a nurse assistant surnamed Shin, on Wednesday, on charges including violating the Drug Control Act.

From September 2017 to November last year, Kim was brought to trial for illegally using propofol on himself and Chae and others on 148 accounts under the pretext of skin beauty treatments at a plastic surgery clinic in southern Seoul, which he runs. He is also suspected of ordering Shin, a nursing assistant, to conduct unlicensed medical practices and falsely writing medical records as if it was an employee who took injections to hide his illegal medication.

While admitting to the charges, Kim's lawyer said, "The number of doses of propofol has been exaggerated. He was never addicted to the point where his daily life was impossible". Shin's lawyer also denied any conspiracy with Kim, saying she generally acknowledged the charges and deeply reflected on them.

In response, the prosecution is continuing its investigation into the alleged illegal injection of propofol drugs related to the hospital. The next hearing will be held on May 12th at 2PM.

It was recently reported that the prosecution is investigating a list of about 10 people on suspicion of illegal drug use in propofol. Among them, Ha Jung-woo was embroiled in allegations that he was given a borrowed-name drug under the name of his actor-turned-brother. In response, the agency Workhouse Company acknowledged the drug, but explained that it was not illegal.