Internet broadcaster BJ Se-ya (real name Park Dae-se, 36), who is accused of group drug use, has been sentenced to prison in the first trial.
According to the court on the 9th, the 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Chief Judge Ji Gwi-yeon) sentenced Park to 3 years and 6 months in prison on the 4th for violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (narcotics) and ordered him to complete a 40-hour drug addiction treatment program and pay a fine of 153.16 million won.
The court pointed out, "The defendant has not only handled drugs for a considerable period but also dealt with a variety of drugs in significant quantities," adding, "It is difficult to deny that there is a certain degree of antisocial behavior, as he has been able to purchase and use drugs without any particular restrictions."
Furthermore, it stated, "He has frequently been exposed to drugs by instructing or asking work-related individuals or acquaintances, who are in a position where it is difficult to refuse his requests, to purchase drugs, ultimately leading to their involvement as accomplices in this case."
It continued, "The nature of the crime is quite serious, and there is considerable room for criticism. The dependency on drugs appears to be very high, and the likelihood of reoffending seems significant."
However, it also noted, "There is a perspective that he committed the crime to alleviate long-standing sleep disorders and depression. The defendant has confessed to this dependency and is making efforts to overcome it, strongly pledging not to reoffend. He also seems to have actively cooperated with the investigation," explaining the reasons for sentencing.
Park is accused of receiving drugs from BJ Kim Gang-pae (real name Kim Jae-wang, 34), a YouTuber with ties to organized crime, and using drugs multiple times with acquaintances at his home.
Following related reports, Park stated on his channel's bulletin board last August, "I confessed and went to the police station 1 year and 6 months ago. Since then, I have been faithfully undergoing police investigations." The police applied for an arrest warrant for Park, and the Seoul Central District Court issued the warrant in September of last year, citing concerns of flight.
Subsequently, the police transferred Park to the prosecution while he was in custody on the 20th of the same month, and he was indicted in October of last year. The prosecution sought a 6-year prison sentence for Park during the last sentencing hearing.
Meanwhile, Kim, who is accused of handing drugs to Park, was arrested and indicted in September of the same year for violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (narcotics) and the Narcotics Control Act. Kim was sentenced to 3 years in prison in the first trial in February and has appealed.
