Ex BTOB ILHOON LATEST UPDATE FROM HIS TRIAL

Today is the second hearing for Jung Ilhoon’s appeal trial took place today at the Seoul High Court.

Jung Ilhoon was brought to trial for suspicions of purchasing and smoking 826 grams (approximately 1.8 pounds) of marijuana using approximately 130 million won (approximately $116,500) across 161 instances between July 5, 2016 and January 9, 2019 together with seven other defendants. For reminder, Jung left K-pop boyband BtoB shortly after news of the investigation broke and later enlisted into the South Korean military in May 2020. The singer is currently serving his mandatory military service as a public service worker. BtoB made their debut in 2012 as a seven-member group.

In his first trial, Jung Ilhoon was sentenced to two years in prison and fined 133 million won (approximately $119,200) for violating the Act on the Control of Narcotics, Etc. and was taken under custody. However, both Jung Ilhoon and the prosecution appealed the sentence. Thus it led to the second hearing. On November 18, prosecutors requested a two-year prison sentence and a fine of 126.6 million won (approximately $107,250) for Jung Ilhoon’s marijuana charges.

Jung Ilhoon’s lawyer stated, “It is the first offense of all of the defendants, and they have submitted several statements of repentance while earnestly reflecting on themselves during their five months in the detention center. There are endless petitions from their family, friends, and colleagues. In Jung Ilhoon’s case, there are over two boxes of petitions sent by his foreign fans. There is a reason for him to return to society, and he has the clear abilities and ties that allow him to promote. They are young people at an age in which they should be nurturing their dreams, so it is believed that they will play an important role in society.”

Jung Ilhoon himself apologized and said, “I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that I am deeply reflecting on my wrongdoings. I am seriously regretting my foolish actions and feel ashamed of myself. The time I spent in the detention center was a time of deep reflection on the big and small misdeeds I committed in my life. As meetings are restricted due to the COVID-19 situation, I exchanged letters with my family and deeply felt their love that knows no bounds. I truly miss the ordinary everyday life that I used to enjoy. I have fully understood how drugs can ruin my life as well as the terrible damage it has on society. I firmly promise my acquaintances and the honorable judge that from now on, I will never betray the hearts of my beloved family and those who trust in me and will live a proper and honest life. I was really in the wrong. I apologize.”

BTOB's leader, Seo Eunkwang, has spoken up in public for the first time after his former bandmate Ilhoon dealt with marijuana controversy and left the group. On Jan. 1, BTOB's Eunkwang took to his personal Instagram account to post a sweet message to fans. Along with a picture of a night sky. Currently all BOTB members has done their best to maintain BTOB relevancy in Kpop industry.