K-Pop Star G-Dragon Denies Illegal Drug Use Amid South Korea's Ongoing Crackdown

Investigation Launched Amid Widespread Crackdown After Allegations Emerged in Late October and Other High Profile Celebrities Also Questioned

K-Pop star G-Dragon, also known as Kwon Ji-yong, recently faced police questioning over allegations of illegal drug use. He denies the allegations stating that there is no truth to this illegal drug-related crime.
The investigation surfaced amid a widespread crackdown on illegal drug use by the South Korean government, led by conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, which has seen numerous celebrities facing similar allegations.
Following the allegations in late October, shares of some K-pop agencies, including G-Dragon's former agency YG Entertainment, dropped but have since rebounded.
South Korea has stringent drug laws, with crimes typically punishable by at least six months in prison or up to 14 years for repeat offenders and dealers. Authorities are stepping up enforcement due to an increase in drug-related cases involving celebrities and chaebol heirs.
G-Dragon is not the first member of his previous K-pop band, BigBang, facing criminal charges. In 2017, T.O.P. was given a suspended 10-month jail sentence for marijuana use, and in 2021, Seungri served an 18-month prison sentence for collusion in tax evasion, bribery and prostitution.