This breaks my heart. :( I love Joo Jihoon. Goong's one of my favorite dramas.

I have lived equal time both in Singapore (where it's trafficking and hanging, not mere prison time and revolving-door pardons); and here in North America where recreational use is pretty common, even among law-abiding suburbia white picket fencers.

I don't condone drug use, nor people getting all wasted on alcohol for eg (worse if they kill while wasted and driving) ....
But hey, at the end of the day - people make mistakes and it's their lives they have to take ownership for.

It's time maybe for fangirls to take those blinkers off and realise that glowing idols up there are frail humans too. And that many of these celebs lead closet lives very different from the roles they play or the packaging they outwardly project.

Wake Up.
Take those rosy-tinted blinkers off, please.

And maybe find it in your fickle hearts to have way more EMPATHY folks.

I find it harsh that people are going:
"ewwwww he's a user"
"he always looked stoned to me"
"he should really know better"

Yes, he should have known better.
Yes, he should take responsibility for his actions or more ownership of his own life.
Yes, he should have thought of his parents.

But HULLO!
Everyone is HUMAN at the end of the day. If I am not wrong .... Obama experimented with drugs too in his time, and still lived to be a better person (why is no one going back and saying "ewww he experimented with drugs?")

Joo Ji Hoon should NOT get off with a fine and a slap on the wrist.
Yes, that would be wrong.

BUT such instant UNFORGIVING DOUBLE-FACED netizen condemnation is (imo) very scarily-sad ...... and the shutting-door death of career with no second chances is seriously harsh. The dude has potential and he's been working hard at it afterall.

People DO make mistakes. Albeit a HUGE mistake in his case.
So he's not infallible afterall.

In my books .... it's really how we DEAL WITH THE AFTERMATH that makes an u wrong or ugly incident better.

And it's really time we take off those blinkers (yoohoo babe, it's not always a pretty Goong, Coffee Prince or BOF world out there) and learn how to move on - WITHOUT SO MUCH JUDGEMENT.

Unless we can truly say we ourselves thrive under those exact same circumstances like a white unblemished lily .... we really should NOT add the next stone to the pile.
Knowing how these Korean celebs deal with stress and pressure - would it make people much happier if the dude hangs himself instead?

Ahhh then, perhaps it would be so much easier to take out the other hypocritical touchy-feely side, and say instead:
"Awww that's so sad the poor guy .... my eyes are tearing up just thinking of his end and the stress he must have gone through?"

@154 jusash
I'm actually pretty worried about the netizens' reactions!

So sad to learn this news. I can see a lot of promise in Joo Ji Hoon after watching Devil, Goong and Antique Bakery. Was looking forward to Tokyo Tower. Sincerely hope that he recovers from this and picks himself up with lots of love and support from his family and friends.

You people need to grow up, you don't know anything about any of these guys so keep your narrow minded judgements to yourselves.

The Koream netizens never learn do they, after all the stuff that happened last year with the tragic end of so many Korean celebs you lot still keep thinking the korean entertainment bizz is perfect, stop forcing your own expectations on these people.

As for JJH, he took drugs on two seperate occasions, boo fucking hoo, thats nothing, my friends have done worse. It might not be right but if he's admitted it then he'll probably change for the better, give him a break and grow up, the world isn't as wonderful as you all think. He's a good actor and I hope he makes it through this.

This is why I don't like fangirls, so closed minded, women have to be thin or beautiful otherwise they're useless, guys have to be pure and perfect otherwise they're awful, ugh you people are living in your own worlds.

RANT OVER!!!

His talents should not be overshadowed by this poor choices. If you all love him, support him. I'ms ure this is a big life lesson for him but give him a 2nd chance.

Okay update, you got info wrong DB, apparently JJH didn't take the drugs he bought them off that girl and sold them to different celebs, which is bad news so it really is the end for him, unfortunately if you play with fire you get burned.

I still don't like half the comments here tho, your shallow judments like "oh sucks, he was soo cute" are really annoying. I still think this shouldn't overshadow the fact that he's a good actor, I just think the Korean society need to wake up about real life, stop deluding yourselves, people don't take drugs for no reason, he must have his reasons so keep your judgement to yourselves.

Wow.
This.
Sucks.

I'm pretty sure that this means the end of his career, all things considered. Ehh.. maybe there's a chance, but I highly highly doubt it. ): Which is what makes things even more sad!!! T W T

I personally don't think that drug use, whether you are an addict or not (which JJH doesn't seem to be, considering he used it only a few times) means you are a bad person, but it means that you were stupid and made the wrong choices. He's young, but he still should have known better. ):

Aah... he had such a good career, too.... I loved him in Goong and The Devil (The Devil is a great drama for those of you who haven't saw it.. or wait, maybe won't see because of this T_____T) and Antique.

Ah. This sucks. Did not see it coming. ):

i'm really disappointed in this fellow, but this just shows us that celebrities are human, they make mistakes, hopefully he will learn from it. on the other hand, i thought, drug dealers were suppose to keep their lips shut, it really sucks. if they do the crime, they have to do the time.

Snitches get stitches!!!

JOKING!

Seriously though I have noticed several comments about the dealers keeping their mouths shut.... Of course they snitch people...co-operating with the Popo usually means you serve less time.

also
@KOK
where are you getting that info about him selling?

this does rather suck, but it shouldn't be a surprise.
Considering the schedules they have i have always doubted that just coffee was getting anyone through, recreationally or otherwise.

It would be a real shame if his potential was stomped on, but i guess in the end it will all depend on how big the other names are that get busted.

People are not perfect and the expectation that they should be can really push them astray.

lmao! i know it's no laughing matter, but i don't know how to react...

well you do the crime you do the crime.

unlike most people i'm not really shocked nor do i feel any sympathy for them. Drug smuggling and trafficking isn't something easily forgetable nor forgiveable... his career is over for sure and he has himself to blame... not like we are losing on a great talent either... as for the actress, i hope she does get some jail time (make an example out of her judges).. so many lives are lost to drugs and families torn apart... sorry, i have no sympathy.

Stay off drugs people!

^
Sorry, I meant "haven't seen it."

am late again!!!!

NNooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!! Not Joo Ji HOon!!!!!!! NNOOOOO!!!!!

I love JI Hoon! He is such a nice man, good with kids.... maybe ha has a bad crowd with him?! Or, he is so stressed with work he needs an upper?!

NNOO WAAYYY!!!!!! UURRGGhhhh!!!!!

still love him!!!!

I got the info off allkpop, I don't know reliable the site is but they're claiming he was involved in the transferring of drugs, it seems abit too much for me since I don't think celebs are dumb enough to deal drugs themselves but the site claims he's admitted to it, I'll wait for all the news to come out to make my mind up.

http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/joo_ji_hoon_caught_with_drugs/P100/

I'm seriously disappointed in the news. I can't believe he threw his career away like that especially knowing the consequences of what would happen if he was caught. He was showing so much potential as an actor and someone whose work I was looking forward to watch in the future. And if the comments on the fact that he actually may have sold drugs is true, I really don't know how to express my disappointment...I'm still in shock because I heard how harshly drug use is viewed in South Korea...
Yes, he is human, but really it's hard for me to sympathize with what he did when he clearly knew the consequences.
But like others have said, it is the end of his career and I would be surprised if he didn't get jail time.

@ 154 jusash: LOL, you're thinking this netizen condemnation is harsh? Dude, this is for drugs. Netizens burn people like Solbi for getting a bit cut off her eyes. There's no way in hell people weren't going to condemn this. Expecting netizens not to be judgemental? You'll be waiting a long time.

So apparently, Joo Ji Hoon said that he was drunk and took them without thinking? So much for the crazy stress theory~

Also, I have to LOL - one of my LJ friends posted saying "why do you want drugs that came out of someone's underwear". Trufax.

the reason must be stress and pressure.........
stress, pressure, stress, pressure...
poor JI Hoon.....

If there is a truth in this drug thing Joo's career has no little chance to survive I think.O.o Drugs are a big problem... and if it's true, Joo Ji-hoon has to question himself if to continue his career is a good decision.

On the other hand, if it's not true, Joo has to fix his smart-boy-image for sure... It's a big damage which can destroy everything he has build until now...

After reading all the comments, it's good that people are all very passionate about this topic. Everybody's entitled to their own opinion. The culture and country that we live in.. including our personal environment really effects how we perceive this issue. Many of us that live in America or N. America hear of drug use so often that it’s not even shocking any more.

However, I think it’s good that there are countries that take this more seriously. I think it does make an impression on people, esp. younger adults that drugs should not be taken lightly. It’s awful to hear that young adults or teenagers are taking drugs for “fun” and don’t think that it’s wrong.

That said, it’s still sad that JJH will probably not be able to continue his career or his life. He’s still young, and yes, it was a mistake and yes, it was very wrong, but he should be allowed to learn from it. It will definitely be a hard lesson for him. Depending on whatever the consequences are, I hope that he would take full responsibility for it and continued to live on afterwards (no one should have to pay with their life). Repent and hopefully most people will be able to forgive. The same goes for the other celebs also.

@Belleza

I was thinking the same thing about the excessive amount of alcohol consumption depicted in K-dramas and movies. How often do we see the characters drinking and singing at a noraebang or swigging back bottles and bottles of soju at a pojangmatcha? Soju shot competitions...beer drinking...it's in almost every single drama/movie that I have seen (and consumed equally by both men and women).

And the smoking?? Not depicted so much in the dramas/movies, but according to The Korea Times, while the smoking rate appears to be declining, approximately 40% of Korean males are smokers. Smoking is addictive and kills you and, to some degree, the people around you who are breathing in your second hand smoke!

Alcohol and cigarettes are likely more addictive for some due to their social/government acceptance and accessibility (don't even get me started the massive amounts of tax dollars they bring in which legitimizes them in the eyes of the government)!

Essentially, what I am saying is that to regulate one or two extremely harmful substances while banning others, is hypocritical and although recreational drug use here in Canada is more socially acceptable on some levels, it's still illegal and carries jail time/penalties. We are just as hypocritical in that regard as other countries, meaning you can drink until your liver explodes, smoke until your face falls off, but get caught with chemical drugs in your pocket...shame, shame, shame!

And not to get too far off topic, but here in Vancouver, the drug wars between rival gangs has completely escalated. There have been 3 deaths only blocks from my apartment (and I do not live in a bad part of town) and a total of about 30 shootings in 2009 (most of them fatal).

I personally think they should legalize and regulate ALL forms (drugs, alcohol, cigarettes) and tax the hell out of them...get everything out of the hands of the drug dealers, set up social services to help people deal with addictions, educate the youth so they don't start in the first place and begin to change societal views.

And don't fool yourself...if it's not illegal drugs that are being consumed within the Korean entertainment industry, then some entertainers are probably receiving some interesting prescriptions from their management companies/doctors.

In closing, while I choose not to do drugs, smoke or drink excessively, I don't feel it's fair to tell someone else that they can drink, but not do drugs if they so choose (though I hope they choose not to).

Good luck to JJH and I hope he gets back the life that he for which he has worked very hard.

noooooo!!!! I'm such a fan of Joo Ji Hoon! >__< I was hoping he'd make more dramas that would showcase his abilities . . . . . . arhh this completely sucks for him AND his fans.

holy....crap. I always had this squeaky clean image of most k-celebs in my head, although I'm sure there's tons of stuff that goes on behind the scenes that we just don't hear about. I'm also not surprised that more celebs have been reported for using drugs because of this incident. I'm just a little sad that it had to be Joo Ji Hoon. I thought he was a good actor and a nice enough guy. Every time I go back to look at Goong, it's going to be tainted. =/

i meant, Belleza's piece for KIDS..... quite funny!!

:< makes me sad

The general tenor of the comments here is a little disappointing.

JJH is the same talented person he was two days ago. He is the same person.

He was the same person he was last year, perhaps before the events that have left a lot of people in shock.

We all make mistakes. Sometimes, by random luck we make mistakes that do not end up costing us dearly. Sometimes, by "bad" luck we make mistakes that do end up costing us.

A person gets drunk, and forgets where he puts his keys and so cannot drive home and ends up not killing anyone. Then that person matures and grows up to lead a "good" life. Another person at the same party gets drunk and then drives home and T-bones a car full of kids. That latter person's life is effectively over, and he/she has also ended the life of a car full of kids. Nobody says anything about the guy who forgot his keys, and nobody will ever know how close the guy who forgot his keys came to losing his life. There's no difference in behavior, just arbitrary luck.

Adults have the bear the burden of being responsible for their actions (and non-actions), and this too is arbitrary, because people mature at different rates. Some people have Grace Noona's and JayKay Hyung's and Steve Oppa's and Jenny Unni's who take care of them and help them mature faster, while others don't have anyone. I myself didn't mature until AFTER law school, and it is only by the grace of God that I didn't end up hurting people permanently through being a willfully ignorant and irresponsible person (other than being the kind of asswipe nal-la-lee that I detest now).

JJH is human, and he is an adult but he is a young adult. He gets caught, maybe others (in this widening drug net) are going to get caught, but the vast majority of celeb users in Korea will never get caught, and will hopefully mature more quickly, and nobody will ever know. If JJH didn't get caught, and matured in a few months or years, maybe he would go down as an all-time favorite Korean actor.

But he still would be the same person then, as he is now. He is human.

He should bear the burden of his actions, but let's not throw him under the bus, unless you want to throw everybody under the same bus. The only difference between JJH and me, is that I didn't get caught and I was able to mature. That, and he's a world famous actor and I'm not.

-Samsooki

@Samsooki

Well put. We are the sum of our choices.... not one choice at one moment in time.

@ JB

Thanks for the clear up. Figured that was the case, but as i can neither speak nor read Korean I count on those who can.

@Samsooki
Thank you!

Hmm. I don't know. I saw all the comments like: Americans don't think drug use is as big a deal. xD But as an American, I see drug use as a huge deal. Especially when you are a celeb the spotlight is on you and you have a real influence on a lot of people. In a way, partaking in something that can damage your health is just... I don't really know of people around me who think: "Recreational drugs... it's not addicting so who cares! 8D" I think the main difference between Asia and America when it comes to celebs doing idiotic stuff like this is that in America, it's not always a total career ender. In that sense, while I don't necessarily want America to be as harsh as Korea in this aspect, I do wish we took a harder stance on the celebrities here when they do get caught drinking and driving or snorting cocaine. My main idea on things like this is that people are human and capable of making mistakes. So when you do make one like this, you should take responsibility and face your consequences head on. I just hope there aren't any suicides. x_x Because to me that isn't really taking responsibility. *knocks on wood*

Oh. Snap.
I haven't been able to read through all the comments--are we taking bets on who else sold or used? The actress gave other names, yeah?
Part of me wants to know and doesn't want to be disillusioned any further.

Joon Ji-hoon's got a bunch of model friends, right? Kim Jae wook (Coffee Prince) is one bet. Any takers? Not just for the gossip factor, but to reaffirm the fact that maybe we shouldn't be idolizing these celebs--they are, in fact, real people w/ flaws and shortcomings.

Man! THIS IS HUGE!! If the update is indeed true. He is not only a user but a pusher?!! I have gone from thinking irresponsible to stupid! For the record, I just hate to use the word stupid on people.

Rant on drugs (hardcore, nicotine, alcohol, etc) in general :
However you want to define drugs, the reality is that drugs are chemical ingredients introduced into your body which weren't there in the first place. All drugs can potentially harm because they are natural to your body. Some drugs are deemed less "harmful" because their target organ is different (not always brain). BUT drugs are ALL broken down by the liver; the by-products are then sent to the various target organs to do its job. If you use any kind of drugs, your liver works overtime other than processing all the food substances that you normally eat.

FACT : You and I are just wired differently, one man's drug can be another man's poison. So, please don't say a particular drug is NOT addictive.....ya...but for whom? On recent Oprah's Show, segment on drugs : the addict said that the chase for the next high started right after the first dose. I find moderation and recreational use hard to believe.

When one uses drugs, whose body do you think they are hurting? Not to mention the emotional scaring of love ones around you. Once you start pushing, you start to harm other people and their loved ones.

JJH : I hope this lad realizes what wrong he has done. My most sincere wish to see his family and good friends set him back on the right path. Disappointments and failures are parts and parcels of life. Even if his acting career is over, it's not the end of life. I hope to see him come out of this advocating a "SAY NO TO DRUG" campaign.

Bad thought : At the far back of my mind, I hope this is not a scandal by the media to cover up another scandal that took place in early March....still investigating and going nowhere.

RANT OFF MY CHEST.

"All my love for JJH just evaporated within seconds (he’s 27 and there’s no way he didn’t know drugs would ruin his newly established career)."

Well if that is all that it takes then one probably wasn't a fan to begin with. Hell let em enjoy his life and that includes drugs. Nevertheless he probably will hit a slight snag but he will be okay, it is the woman who will suffer the most from it.

Officially #2 most shocking story in K-ent next to Jang Ja Yeon's death.

Well, my friend used to remark that Joo Ji Hoon dresses like a hobo at those red carpet events, and I'd agree with her. Now we know why - people who take drugs often neglect their personal hygiene, because they're too stoned to care. I once had a housemate in college who I later found out to be addicted to Ketamines. Boy, that sure explained her behaviour around our apartment a lot - she used to be alternatively very withdrawn and curt, or overly bubbly. Then she won't eat for the entire day because she wasn't hungry. I suspect that she skipped taking showers as she really smelt bad....that would go on for a few days. She'd be full of energy and not seem to need sleep at all, working for 10 hours straight in her bedroom with loud music on.... in the middle of the night, she'd cook a big extravagant meal for herself. She was obviously stressed out being a design student with a huge project deadline that'll determine whether she passed or flunked out Uni. Later I moved out of the apartment and found out through a mutual friend that she did flunk out uni as she used her college fees her parents provided her AND all the money her housemates gave her for the rent to feed her addiction to ketamine. They owed more than 6 months of rent, and she begged and begged the landlord to give her more time to pay up. The landlord wanted to kick them out and her housemates were furious. Moral of the story - stay away from drugs, kiddies. People who experiment drugs are NOT cool. They are messed up.

@188FELICITY: ahhh... your comparison between JooJiHoon and your housemate is ludicrous! The "hobo" look....., blame it on his stylist and manager. They were probably the one who were high at that time! Jeez!

As far as i can see, He is still a good actor (actually, getting better!), and good person....

Fighting!

man, this is some good gossip! i so wanna know who's on that list! :P

i don't know a thing on SK laws so someone indulge me but what about just flat out DENYING it??? if he didn't confess...they can still convict him on just someone's testimony that they sold him some drugs??? what a witch hunt! unless, of course, someone's got a picture of him in the act...actually popping the E pills or downing the K shit...then he's royally f*cked! but both substances don't stay in your body that long and usually don't even show up in hair tests long after they're gone...like mary jane.

@ 179 SAMSOOKI: thanks!!!! i definitely empathize!

Hahaha, I can't believe she did that for just 75.000 dollars. If someone offered me to smuggle drugs for 75.000 dollars I'd laugh really hard. That's slightly more than 5000 dollars each time. That's about 4000 euro each time. Even I as a commoner think that 4000 euro is a joke.

@ SAMSOOKI: THANK YOU, BY THE WAY FOR ANSWERING MY QUESTION ON THE LAST OPEN THREAD!!!!! IT'S DVD SHOPPING TIME! ^-^ LOL!

Say bye bye to your career.
I can never look at him the same.
Some time behind bars should do him some good. Don't be stupid, don't use drugs!

"SMAP’s Tsuyoshi Kusanagi (drunked nakedness) and now this?"

Oh Kusanagi-san is just a silly, silly man (if you seen casual clips on him, he's often like a kid.) That's why I love him. :D But, yeah, Johnny Entertainment doesn't like ish like that. Drug use and such has happened from time to time among the boys, and usually the damage control is swift.

I mean guys it's worth reiterating. Drug use in South Korea is very, very low compared to Western countries. That is the reality there -- it's just not around you. There isn't really pressure for celebrities, college kids, or anybody else to take it, because it's simply not that accessible unless you really seek it. Also, all countries make distinctions between what is acceptable and what isn't.

@Tippy,

"Smoking is addictive and kills you and, to some degree, the people around you who are breathing in your second hand smoke!"

Ehhhh, smoking is just popular in Asia in general. To be honest, you'd be surprised how the attitudes about smoking in Northern America differ from the majority of the world. That is one of the arguments I want to make. Everybody has their own viewpoints on drug use, but that viewpoint is partially influenced by the attitudes and experiences of your own country. In the States, it can be regional too. People in Manhattan do not view smoking the same way that people in Orange County do.

@Meiko,

"i meant, Belleza’s piece for KIDS….. quite funny!!"

Because at the end of the day, we gotta think about the children. The children!! :D But I actually did mean all that. I'm not making a judgment on people's recreational choices (and that includes good ol alkie.) I'm saying be responsible and realize your choices involve the people around you. I completely suck at it myself. :D

As for the hobo look, don't hate on the hobo look. We all dressed like that in the NINETIES. ;)

I beg to differ with those people that say everyone uses drugs in America and it's ok to use them . Maybe you and people you know maybe do drugs but i personally think its wrong and unnecessary to take or use drugs unless of course it is prescribed. But the way I see, his career is over and his image is forever tarnished. Good going Joo Ji-hoon. Some in jail should give you plenty of time to think about how stupid you were.

I pray for him.

Is it really that bad to do drugs in South Korea? Not that I am condoning it but (being North American and all) I don't see what's the fuss.

Half of our stars go in and out of rehab.

"Is it really that bad to do drugs in South Korea? Not that I am condoning it but (being North American and all) I don’t see what’s the fuss.

Half of our stars go in and out of rehab."

Yeah if you are a celebrity, heck you can't even date anyone and it is problem just imagine what drug use would be.

@MEIKO

Yes, the hobo look. That's what we call it. People who look dirty, horribly mismatched, and a little out of place in an event where everyone else is dressed to the nines. ;)

Ludicrous? Hardly. I've lived with a ketamine addict before (without knowing she was one). So I know the signs and suspicious behaviour of these people. They really have their lives turned upside down, and one of the first things to go is their self-image. Withdrawal is hell. Everything they do is unfocused, because they can't be motivated by anything much other than planning how and where to get their next fix. Based on JJH's frequent trips to Japan, I highly doubt it's the first couple of times he's done ketamine. Who knows, maybe you're on to something...his managers and agents might not be clean either.

Oh, and I never thought of JJH as a good actor nor particularly good looking. And I don't really feel sorry for him for getting busted. However, I do hope he learns his lesson well. Everyone deserves a second chance.

"Is it really that bad to do drugs in South Korea?"

Drug use usually means jail time and then rehabilitation. It's a social stigma whether you're a celebrity or a college student. Of course, as a celebrity, it's disastrous.

Come to think of it, one of the main actresses from the Four Sisters -- Hwang Soo-jung -- was arrested for meth use. She eventually made a comeback six years later.