Singer T.O.P. given suspended jail term for marijuana charge

South Korean pop star has been handed a suspended 10-month jail sentence for smoking marijuana.
The 29-year-old member of K-pop boy band Big Bang appeared in court in Seoul, South Korea on Thursday (20Jul17).
According to local news agency Yonhap, the singer, real name Choi Seung-Hyun, apologised to his fans upon arriving at the court and presiding Judge Kim Ji-chul took his regret over his actions into account when delivering the suspended sentence.
“The defendant, as someone who’s been loved by many fans here and abroad, has disappointed his family and fans,” the judge said in his ruling. “Yet the court has allowed for the fact that he has pleaded guilty, regrets having committed the wrongdoing, and shows willingness not to commit such a misdeed again.”
In South Korea, smoking marijuana is a crime punishable for up to five years in prison or a $44,500 (£34,300) fine.
Choi was indicted on charges of smoking marijuana last month (Jun17), and a day later, was hospitalised following an apparent overdose of traquilisers.
Before his arrest, the musician was serving the mandatory military service all young South Koreans must complete in the country’s police force. He now faces a disciplinary review to decide whether he can resume his police duties or if he will face a dishonourable discharge.
Big Bang are one of Korea’s most popular bands and have sold more than 140 million records since their 2006 debut.