A rising star of K-hip hop faces new legal penalties after testing positive for unauthorized drugs while already serving time for prior drug charges.

Former High School Rapper 2 contestant Yoon Byung Ho, known to fans as Bully Da Bastard, was recently handed an additional suspended sentence. The 23-year-old is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence for various drug-related offenses but was found consuming controlled medications during his detention.

Unauthorized Drug Use at Incheon Detention Center

While detained at the Incheon Detention Center, Yoon tested positive for several psychotropic substances, including diazepam, lorazepam, and zolpidem. These drugs, commonly prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders, were not authorized for his use. Yoon Byung Ho claimed he had been unknowingly drugged, but the court dismissed this defense as implausible, considering the controlled nature of the facility.

“It is highly unlikely for someone to be involuntarily drugged within a secure detention center,” the court ruled.

Court’s Ruling and Additional Penalties

The Suwon District Court responded with an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with a mandatory requirement for Yoon Byung Ho to attend drug prevention programs. The judge noted the severity of drug use while already serving time for similar offenses but also cited mitigating factors, possibly considering Yoon’s current incarceration.

History of Drug-Related Offenses

Yoon Byung Ho’s recent transgression adds to a series of drug offenses that have drawn significant public scrutiny. In December 2023, he began a seven-year sentence for multiple drug-related charges spanning 2018 to 2022. His offenses included the purchase, possession, and use of controlled substances, ranging from marijuana to fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Public Reaction and Legal Implications in South Korea

The case has gained attention in South Korea, where drug use among public figures is met with severe societal and legal repercussions. This incident highlights the serious stance of South Korean authorities on drug offenses, especially among public personalities.

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Source: Yonhap