In 2020, reports surfaced that a “popular girl group member” had been fined for the illegal use of propofol. It was later revealed that the individual was Brown Eyed Girls member Ga In. The confirmation came after her agency, Mystic Story, released an official statement acknowledging the incident and issuing an apology.
According to the agency, Ga In had been fined 1 million won (approximately $884 USD) after being indicted on charges related to the illegal use of propofol. Mystic Story expressed regret for not addressing the issue earlier and admitted that both the artist and the agency failed to respond responsibly at the time. They also revealed that Ga In had been dealing with long-term physical pain, depression, and severe sleep disorders due to injuries accumulated over her career. These struggles ultimately led her to make a poor decision, for which the agency took partial responsibility.
The controversy surrounding Ga In dates back even further. In 2014, she collaborated with actor Joo Ji Hoon in the music video for “Fxxk U,” which drew attention for its explicit content. The two later confirmed their relationship publicly the same year. However, in 2017, their agencies announced that the couple had officially broken up, stating that further details were private.
Shortly after the breakup, Ga In made headlines again when she shared a series of Instagram posts. In these posts, she claimed that a friend of her ex-boyfriend, Joo Ji Hoon, had offered her marijuana. While she admitted that she was going through a difficult mental state at the time, she strongly stated that she had never used drugs and had rejected the offer. Her statements led to public attention and prompted a police investigation into the matter.
In her posts, Ga In openly spoke about her mental health struggles, describing herself as someone undergoing treatment and expressing a determination to recover. She also clarified that despite the situation, she had remained clean and was willing to undergo regular drug testing to prove it. Screenshots of conversations she shared further highlighted the exchange between her and the individual involved, where she firmly rejected the offer.
The situation also brought renewed attention to Joo Ji Hoon’s past drug scandal. In 2009, he was arrested on drug-related charges, later pleading guilty. He received a six-month prison sentence, a one-year suspension, 120 hours of community service, and a fine. The incident significantly impacted his acting career, leading to a hiatus before his eventual return in 2011.
Overall, the controversy surrounding Ga In reflects a combination of personal struggles, public scrutiny, and the challenges faced by celebrities under constant attention. While the incident affected her public image, it also highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and accountability within the industry.
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