BIGBANG member G-Dragon under investigation

BIGBANG member and South Korean idol G-Dragon is reportedly under investigation for drug-related allegations, according to the South Korean police.

As per News 1, G-Dragon, real name Kwon Ji Yong, was allegedly booked by the Incheon Police Agency “without detention on charges of violating the Narcotics Management Act.”

The article cited that the police are continuing investigating the K-pop idol after booking him.

“As this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot reveal specific details.” 

The police also explained, "It is a separate incident that has nothing to do with Mr. Lee," referring to Parasite actor Lee Sun-Kyun who was earlier embroiled in a drug controversy. 

As per Korea JoongAng Daily, Sun-Kyun was suspected of using marijuana and psychoactive drugs at a nightclub in Gangnam District, Seoul. According to the actor’s lawyer, he has filed a lawsuit against the nightclub’s manager who allegedly blackmailed him and extorted 350 million won (259 thousand US dollars) from him.

The ongoing investigation into the actor’s case has expanded to eight additional people suspected of using narcotics including South Korea TV personality and composer Jung Da-Eun.

BIGBANG’s agency, YG Entertainment, stated its position regarding the issue.

"It is difficult to respond officially as he is not currently an artist belonging to our company."

Last June this year, G-Dragon had officially ended his exclusive contract with the entertainment agency after 10 years. BIGBANG is composed of G-Dragon, Taeyang, Daesung, and T.O.P. Former member Seungri was found guilty on nine charges relating to the Burning Sun nightclub scandal. The charges against him ranged from misappropriating funds to arranging prostitution services for investors.

In 2011, G-Dragon was investigated by prosecutors on charges of smoking marijuana but the case was suspended. 

As per the Money S website on Naver, the 2011 charge is “acknowledged but the prosecutor does not hand the idol over to trial considering various circumstances.”

G-Dragon has yet to release any statement and does not have an official agency.

—By Nikka Sabio