Hmmm. Well, that's a pretty pickle, to say the least.

I can't say I'm shocked or even surprised by this news bit, maybe just a weeeee bit disappointed. (I know it's weird, coming from someone who did a straight freakin' marathon of all 24 eppies of "Goong" back in May of 2006, hitting the pause button only for quickie bathroom breaks and fevered dashes to the kitchen, and kept awake and a-buzzing by steaming vats of coffee and that distinctively piquant "Goong"-generated, er... high, pun not intended.)

I guess what I'm trying to say is that it IS show business after all--with its own dark, seamy underbelly--so in a way, everyone and everything is already a bit suspect. Admit it or not, we all look askance at celebrities and their lifestyle choices, legit or not, socially acceptable or not. And even for those with no lurid scandal to their name (yet), you still keep that niggling possibility in mind, because it may just be a matter of time before the authorities or the press blow the lid off any illicit wrongdoing celebrity ABC or XYZ may have committed. After all, it's happened countless times before, and it sure as hell can happen again. Junkies, stoners and pushers (oh my!)? Check. Intoxicated exhibitionists spewing forth mayhem (and spermatozoa, haha) in public places? Check. Voyeuristic sex addicts and loyal prostitution patrons? Check. Wife-beaters and trigger-happy psychopaths? Check. Check. Check. They're all found here in the crayzee world of... *sings* "there's no business like show business..."

If it's indeed true that the Korean entertainment industry, law enforcement, and society in general are inclined to be less forgiving (or less indulgent?) towards self-confessed dope addicts than their American and European counterparts--well, tough break for Joo Ji-hoon, with such a promising career as his. (Drug dealers and traffickers are a different story altogether, and should not be spared the full brunt of the law, IMHO. Lock 'em up and throw away the key!) I just hope that JJH has the balls to take full responsibility for his actions, regardless of the impending legal, personal and career-related fallout. And should this mean doing time in a rehab center or behind bars, then so be it. No matter what country, the law is the law and must be upheld to the fullest, with no exceptions, no special "get out of jail" card for celebs.

But to banish him from Koreanshowbizland altogether? To deny him acting work for life? That's taking it to the extreme. I mean, Robert Downey Jr. grappled with his own personal demons (not to mention public humiliation) before winning his battle with drug addiction--at least for now. Some of his best work yet came out AFTER he had cleaned up--a best-case scenario of someone who has been given a second chance and made good with it. JJH is no RDJ (not by a long shot!), but even androgynous anorexic addicts who can act deserve another shot at redemption, don’t they?

I'm jumping back into this thread for a bit of clarification (attempted, anyway). There are a few lines of thinking that seem to be running into each other and people aren't being specific enough to indicate what they think.

1. Drugs = bad. JJH used drugs, therefore etc.

Comment: This line of thinking is a little bit broad and commenters like jdog2050 make good points against this kind of arbitrary logic. Which drugs are bad again? What about alcohol abuse? What about non-prescribed use of prescription drugs? Many of the more recent comments seem to be fixated on some aspect of "drugs = bad" but I can't even begin to describe how weak this line of thinking is.

2. Use of X / K = illegal in Korea. JJH used X / K in Korea, therefore, etc.

Comment: This is probably the camp where I am in. JJH knew what he was doing was against the law, and as an adult, he is responsible for his actions. He therefore should take responsibility and face the consequences as any citizen who breaks the law and gets caught. And I believe that his fans should take a long hard look at themselves before pointing any fingers.

3. Branded a druggie = bad for role modeling and bad for Korea in general. JJH might be branded a druggie, and therefore, etc.

Comment: JJH's use of drugs makes a poor example for those young-un's who worship at the feet of Korean actors and actresses, embarasses the Korean entertainment industry and any projects JJH is associated with, and blemishes Korea in general due to JJH's international fame. This isn't really a line of thinking so much as it is reality. It is more or less irrelevant whether it "should" be the case that Korean culture has a relatively harsh reaction to "drug use" (arbitrary!), because JJH knew of this culture before he used.

***

I think this last thing is something that we learn only later in life, about how are actions affect other people, regardless of how reasonable or unreasonable it might be that such is the case.

In this country (USA), many hiphop artists feel the need to perpetuate a certain image to remain popular, and there are staples of that image - carrying firearms, imprinting the majority of their skin with tatoos, having pit-bulls as pets to show toughness, wearing bling as a statement of wealth, and for male artists, being surrounded by women to show virility, and basically living a "counter-culture" kind of lifestyle to show that they aren't co-opted by White America. A lot of these staples are then carried over to fans of hiphop, who consume this lifestyle without thinking, without once reflecting whether they should adopt a "counter" lifestyle without first finding out what they are countering (often times, it is common sense that they are countering).

These artists can say, "it's a free country, I can do what I want." This is true, but the effect of that is that one and a half generations of hiphop fans have been indoctrinated in substance-less dreck that produces little, that helps little, and that supports little. Back in the day, counter-culture was a statement against the excesses or ills of society, and it was an important movement that pushed back against political and social tyranny. Nowadays, counter-culture is just anything that is the opposite of the mainstream, a blind progression that supports nihilism without purpose, growth or production.

***

Bringing it back on topic, JJH may have not hurt anyone, and if he didn't get caught, it is likely that he would have outgrown his immaturity, like most people do. But being part of the world stage, being a representative of Korean culture, being an icon that young people follow, he has a greater responsibility than, say, I do. JJH may or may not realize the extent of what he has done, and he may or may not agree with my sentiments right now. But sooner or later, I am guessing that he will. And so I am slow to judge him, and I am hopeful that a lot of good will come out of this.

- Samsooki

dramabeans, you should edit some of the comments received.

@299 no need for vulgarity; those type of comments need to be kept to oneself.

Sorry for the double post and its blue like sarah! oops

@ Samsooki #306 - well really all of your posts. Well said! You're so eloquent that I want to point everyone to your posts. They're well thought out and insightful and not 'jumping the shark' (to steal an old American TV term) when it comes to the situation.

I hope that whatever happens, JJH can deal with his mistakes and continue to have a career in S. Korea. From what Sarah was saying, that probably won't happen, which is sad to me.

One bust shouldn't be career ending. It's amazing to me how different it is over in S. Korea from America. If he'd done that over here it would have 'upped' his value with the press and the gossip rags. Because the attitude over here is very much "what's a little recreational use?".

Wow!

What a surprise. Never had any view against him or else. But what make things big in this case is he is involved directly or indirectly with the drug traffiker. He got the drugs from his friends the two celebrities who has been assit with the warrant.

That what make it a BIG crime than it already has. Used is one thing but get it with the person who smuggle it from others country is a severe crime.

Hope justice will previle for all of them. JJH, a human you are you should be more wiser. Your career is on the stake now. You are succesful and why did harm yourself with this clumsy mistake.

@21: Jo:

His greatest performance is NOT Goong. It was The Devil, Antique Bakery and Naked Kitchen.

@253 - Really? oo that's scary, Im scared I might accidentally sit in a 'priority' seat if i go to Korea. Lol, I dont want to be told off.
I dont get why its such a problem if no-one's sitting in it yet though, thats just a seat going to waste.
What if the train happens to be extremely packed but there's no elderly people, doesnt that look a bit silly if there's spare seats but everyone's standing all squished together?

oh my gosh !!!
i can not belive this he is a fool!! how come he does this at this moment when his carrer is better than ever no gosh..... he better think carefully and repair his mistake!!!

oh my gosh !!!
i can not belive this he is a fool!! how come he does this at this moment when his carrer is better than ever no gosh..... he better think carefully and repair his mistake!!!

@EM

it's true. my friend got screamed at by an ahjussi for sitting in a row of empty priority seats on a packed subway.

i don't think there is any justifiable reason for use of drugs... I really liked him .......... after Goong ... and Antique Bakery, I just hope he learned his lesson... I wish him luck in this difficult time , and really really hope that he recover, and resume acting ... Well JI Hoon rem'ber that everything happens for our own good.

who to blame but himself.
I hope his career doesnt come to an end because of it tho.
we all make mistakes and have to deal with the consequences.
but it's too harsh. he is young and has so much ahead of him.
to think it's all coming to an end because a stupid mistake..

Wow! This really sucks. If he wanted to use drugs might as well just take a vacation to America and stay on the safe side. to be a celebrity in Korea and take drugs is dumb, they know it can potentially kill their career. Hopefully he is able to bounce back from this. I do not think his using drugs 2wice is terribly bad, everyone does things like that and no one is perfect. I don't see how people think he is that bad for this. I also can't believe how the Korea handles things, as of now he only has 2 drug use charges on him, yet they are saying he is selling drugs? I don't even think it's right to say on any news that he is doing drugs until he is convicted, they can say he is suspected of, but hwo can you accuse someone who hasn't been convicted. It reminds me so much of Drunken Tiger, luckily he got his career back.

scratch drunken tiger, i meant tiger jk

i'm not suprised one bit. i figured he was so thin because of drugs. whatyaknow?! i was right.

I think that it's rather dumb that they're making such a big deal out of this. The trafficking and the selling, ok. But, the use? I mean, OMG, he's human. Sure, he's a celebrity, but still...people do stupid things, it's just that most of us are lucky enough to be able to do it in private. *sigh* I hope that his career isn't completely wrecked because of this. That'd be a pity.

This is a bad news though I'm not surprise.
I was watching him in Goong and Devil.
His acting not that good in Goong, he looks plain there, but I think he has grown in Devil, his acting in Devil was quite good.
I'm not yet watching Antique but from the trailer I thought that it could be a good movie, JJH's acting look good.
This is maybe can be the end of his career.
Though I'm not a fans of his but I thought that one day he could be a great actors after watching devil.
So this is I think really such a tragedy, someone like him did this.
I don't know if he can make comeback to the entertain world again.

But I don't know why this cross in my mind, I hope I will never heard that one day there is a news JJH' s suicide.

OMG! i could not believe this!
i'm JJH biggest fan and it feels like a part of me is shattered upon hearing/reading the news. this may sound over reacting but i just can't help it.
all my emails and passwords are based on his name. that's how much i looove him.

i hope he gets through this. i hope he learns from his mistake and be able to get up from the incident.

he should take a serious action and clean his name. at the best possible way.

oh no.. it cant be..

ıf joo ji hoon and other celebrities use drugs first time. Korea goverment must forgive them. they must treated with a psycholog and after come back to entertain world again.

so sad.....so sad
he might have a mistake but i still feel that now is the time to give love and support cos we all make wrong choises sometimes and make mistakes
nobodys' perfect
still LOVE U JI HOON!!!!!!!
Fighting!!!!!!!!
be STRONG........

@320 aka Danielle:
Tiger JK was innocent and wrongfully accused. The people knew that and the fans knew that. Why? Turning yourself in voluntarily to the police + coming up clean in all drug tests should not equal 2 year publicity ban and community service. The government, back then, hated the hip-hop image. They hated two kids coming from the states bringing something different to the table. they werent a boyband that sang and dance, they spoke the truth about the hardships and realities of life. they were raw.

Hikszzz...............
it`s so SAD
jo ji Hoon, you are so STUPID, IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
what is in your mind when did that,..??????
you broke your fans HEARTS
but I pray for you, hope you can through this and hope ALL BE BETTER in the FUTURE,.......
JUST WISH you will not get a bad punishment!
just don't get die..........(UNFORTUNETLY)

Being caught for drug use is not a glamarous issue but support from his fans is really a huge matter now! In order to pull him through this mess, all of his fans should stand by him........make him realise that it's not the end of the world if only he wakes up, apologise for his silly act and not to do drug again ever!!!!!! As this really would end his entire life not only career.

All fans should by now give him all the encouragement he needs to go through the difficult times that he will be facing...... :(

Hope all will end soon and JJH can get back to work soonest as we really look forward to his next drama..............remake of Tokyo Tower???Don't give up please......be strong and you will pull through!

Sincerely, your greatest fan!

just get rehab and become healty and happy againn.
dont used that drugs makes u look depressed..
just see your eyes look empty..
huuuufffft..
sometimes life doesnt work like we want..
just go with it..
either its good or nott..
love you joo..

179 Samsooni/260 bento: I agree with you.

What is wrong people these days?
You all are being ablsolutely ridiculous.... "Oh my gosh, I'm erasing him out of my life forever!"
It could just be me, I don't know, but, maybe, just maybe, JOO JI-HOON could be... I don't know..... human!? *gasp*
Oh my gosh, he makes mistakes!!????? Really??

Joo ji-hoon is not the first person in Korea to do drugs, nor will he be the last, and whoever has misguided themselves into thinking that is just delusional.
Now, I by no means condone drug use in any way; I've never done it, and I don't like others to. It is a turn off, however, apparently this matter goes way beyond whether or not it is personally appealing. It's natural for fans to be shocked and disappointed (I'm disappointed too), but the reactions are just over the board.

Everyone seems to be looking at the issue like Ji-hoon is some kind of dispicable monster who committed some horrible crime. He made a mistake people!!! It can happen to ANYONE. Just because he's a celebrity, doesn't mean he's in a crystal case hanging above the rest of us, where he can't be touched by wordly/sinful urges like us "mere mortals." He is not perfect, and as a human being, EVERYONE should understand this. Just because YOU don't or haven't done drugs, doesn't mean you haven't committed other sins, and doen's mean YOU'RE perfect. Give the guy a break!

I can understand parents not wanting their children to be his fan anymore, but as parents, you also have to teach your children the value of making mistakes, owning up to them, learning from them, and moving on! Come on, what parent tells their child, "Well, Billy, you have to be perfect basically, growing up, and never make mistakes, because if you do, you will have to face the wrath of millions, and basically be disowned by a your native country." So while it's understandable, don't shun him either.

In the end, nobody knows Joo Ji-hoon but Joo Ji-Hoon. We are all only fans on the outside (and some aren't even that). We have magazines with him in it and watch his dramas, but we really have no idea what it's like to be Joo Ji-Hoon. We don't know how he feels on the inside, what his past was like, what motivates him, his family dynamic, his relationships..... we don't know HIM, the real him. It's so easy for us to sit back and just criticize and judge others without a thought. Doing drugs is bad, yes, and he should be reprimanded/punished. But to lose the carreer he worked so hard for, to lose face in front of so many people, and especially to feel such scorn over his mistake is sooo sad and upsetting. It's a case where the crime definitely does not fit the punishment.

Oh, and let me say, this is not so much a matter of drugs being a big issue in Korea, in my opinion. This is more about the unforgiving attitude many Koreans have, particularly towards celebrtities, when they make mistakes; not just with Joo Ji-Hoon, but others. As much as I love Korea, they tend to be a strict and uncompromising as a whole on several issues.

So sorry to you Joo Ji-Hoon. While you should have made a better choice, I'm not you, and I don't know what was going through your mind. Hopefully you learn from your mistake so that next time you can show more responsibility. Hope your carreer continues and flourishes, and that you always do well. =)

Your fan- nikki!!!!!!

OMFG! my dear ji hoon is busted for drug use?!!
unbelievable!!
i'm very disappointed
hope that this will not be the end of his career.
don't worry guys, i know that ji hoon will do his best to clean his name!
GO JOO JI HOON!
WE ARE BESIDE U
WE'LL SUPPORT U!

totally agreed with nikkiissoopinkk........people are so ridculous these days....thinking so almighty of themselves as if they do not make mistakes....in their whole life. being in their industry, its not easy at all.....being scructinised every moment by parapazzi....etc....etc.....there is no space for them to breathe except at home....whereby ordinary people like us.....we go anywhere we want whenever we are down to take a breather....how about them.....every corner, everywhere, anytime & anyday......they were being criticised. if thing does not work out fine, suggest that JJH should get himself enlisted in the military services and let matter cools off...................of course do not wish such thing will happen as really want him back in the limelight....................:(

Do not give up JJH.....keep going......god is with you and will bless you always as you have enlighten many hearts with your handsome smile...........

Always with you!!!!! :)

To me, JJH is so special because his works of artistry is one of a kind. He is so good at his work, be it modelling or acting, i thought. That's is why JJH is my only idol.

Please give him a chance. He is only human. I am waiting to see him acting again.

i love joo ji hoon so much and still will. i guess he would learn his lesson from wat happens when u do drugs. u fall down from fame. ugh. i guess i won't be seeing him for a while. damn that stupid model girl. why did she just have to bring drugs to korea. nice job. i still feel ashamed that he would do drugs. everyone makes mistakes. i hope he would get himself together. i love his movies and dramas. his personal life is messed up but his acting is good. atleast he knows how to do his job.

i super aGree in nikkiissoopinkk said!

dOn't LOse hOpe Oppa!!
as long as you have faith in GOD, dont lose hope..

i just wish that you can pass this challenged that had come to you!

i still can't believe the news that you will be prisoned by 1 year..
i hope that the police would changed their minds and give you a second chance..

huhuhuhu... :(
i hate this..

just take care of yourself and be happy aside in this situation.

saranghae oppa ji hoOn!!
no matter what, i will be your fan forever!
GODBLESS.

:D

JJH,
<NGANU MAN TAWN DONG UIE?????????
<HUHUHUHUHUHUHU
<AI.....SAH PAGLUPAD. ................................

i cant beleive this

why joon ji hoon????

this is not true 8ts been a long yearz but then i just heard the newz oh my god!!!!

i hate this news

joon ji hoon be strong dont lose hope

i cant help u im just praying that youll be fine

how could you be so stupid!? Ji-hoon!

Yeah, I agree, look at Ji-Hoon, we see what happens to drug users. The terrible consequences of drug use!

That is, you are judged by society and a bunch of people who don't know anything other than what they see on TV. Everyone thinks they know everything because of years of propaganda about drugs. And yet, how many people on this post have ever met a drug user in person?

I have met many. I have done many drugs myself, including ecstacy and K - two of the least addictive drugs with the most mild side effects. The effects are both positive and negative. I know some people who were helped by drugs - it helped break them out of them self-conscious, timid, repressed shells and become more alive and creative. I know others who were hurt by drugs, for whom drugs became a crutch and a default past time. There is nothing good or bad in the world, other than what we make of it. I believe that prescription drugs represent a much greater threat to the social fabric of Korea than illicit drugs - because they are accepted as "safe".

Society should operate on the rule of "natural law". If you abuse drugs, your health will suffer, and thus your career. Piling additional penalties on top of what will happen naturally is idiotic and criminal.

So the police come in and ruin his life to prevent him from ruining his own life. Makes a lot of sense...

joo ji hoon was a person..pls,.respect him..all of us commits mistake...

hopefully hell come back committed to his career without drugs..

I must say that i have to totally agree with nikkiissoopinkk

What's wrong with you people? Sure, many fans are disappointed in JJH, but what gives YOU the right to criticize him like that when you know absolutely NOTHING about him. You have no idea what he is really like deep down, unless you are his best friend or something. The fact is: humans make MISTAKES. Unless you can tell me none of you have ever even made a grave mistake before. I will change my whole perspective if you can admit that you have been a total PERFECT human with no MISTAKES, but you have a perfect personality and you are emotionally very strong. But i am not making any excuses for JJH though. He did make a huge mistake and he is the one that was wrong. I am sure he knew about the consequences to the problem too. It was his fault that he had "no choice" but to turn to drugs for comfort and got addicted. But think about it. Why do you expect another human that is the same as you to be perfect when you are no better at all? A mistake is a mistake and it does not matter if yours is a smaller matter or not. This is just another hurdle in his life that he has to cross. If he is successful, can't we just continue to be supportive "friends" that will stay with him and gives him the support that he needs? Even if you are not his fan, i think that there is nothing wrong standing by another human to help him up when he falls. Though it might not help him much, it is the least that we can do. So i recommend those that are saying "i am so disappointed in JJH!" "my love for him disappeared in seconds" "omg! how could you be so stupid" to start reflecting on your own life and see if you are any different from him. Sure, he was stupid and he disappointed many people. But we are humans and we can change. Like how you people got over the hurdles of your life.

So in conclusion, shouldn't we give him the support he needs and forgive him for what he has done?

That was what i felt like saying that was on my heart, if you still so strongly oppose to what i say, you can criticize me as much as you want.

JJH: Don't ever give up! If you fall, stand again. We will have faith in you, no matter which path or decision you wish to take.

I just finished Goong, and I really really really wanted a sequel, but I guess now there's no chance!

I'm crushed. I admired him so much and now I find out he's up to this sort of stuff :/

I'll still support his acting and such, but it won't feel the same as when I was totally enraptured by his skills in the beginning.

joo ji hoon ,, =)
i admire u so i believe that u wont do something that may hurt ur fans feeling again..
hope u will come back .. ^^
and whose know we will meet one dae ..

haizt..i can't believe that joo ji hoon made that mistake....he is my idol, since i watched his drama goong princess...
i can't imagine the scenario while he was arrested...i felt pity for him...

i hope that he got a lesson from the mistake he did...please, give him another chance especially to kbs korea...there is no perfect human...and joo ji hoon is one of the victim of a a sinful drug.....God bless..and despite of the scandal..i always adore him....

*&^%$#@! fudge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it will be devastating if ju ji hoon's career ends cuz of this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i just finished watching Goong and The Naked Kitchen. i love nd admire him soo much!! i cant believe he did drugs!!

OMG... I can't believe it... Joo Ji Hoon is taking drugs... but after I read so many articles about Joo Ji Hoon drug used I conclude that he maybe manipulated by some celebrity in the Korea.. How did he got ecstacy and ketamine?... I also think that he has many problems that he wants to forget... I'm very sad to know that it will affect his career.. he is a good and talented actor and model... So I hope that all of his fans will be there to support and understand him in his darkest time... Hope you will be fine and take care of you health.. I will always love you no matter what happen...

The ones that take this lightly are probably Americans or Asian Americans. Those of us who live in the U.S. have become so desensitized to celebrity drug use. I've seen some people post on other sites stating, "It's no big deal." and "Everyone uses drugs." No, not everyone uses drugs and it is a big deal. The reason why there is such a huge drug problem in the U.S. is because people brush it off. They speak of drug abuse as if it's as common as breathing. What has happened to us as a society? It's really sad to see that some people actually condone this behavior and make excuses for celebrities when they abuse controlled substances. There should never be an excuse for this type of behavior and I'm so glad Asia is super strict when it comes to shutting down drug traffickers...and for those who say that ending a celebrity's career due to drug abuse is too harsh, well the truth is people don't learn their lesson unless you take away something that's important to them. Call it tough love. How many celebrities in the U.S. would be afraid to experiment with drugs if they knew it would kill their career? I bet a lot of people would be scared straight. The Korean film industry, TV stations, and management teams are doing the right thing by canceling contracts with celebrities who are drug users. At least in Asia, they are taking a stand and letting celebrities know it's NOT okay to abuse drugs because they are role models for kids and teens. That's more than what I can say for the U.S., which has let drug problems get totally out of control.

i can't believe it to...however i still love him...im still his fanatic fan!