Rapper T.O.P. of boy band Big Bang, whose real name is Choi Seung-hyun, was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, for smoking marijuana.[1] The Seoul Central District Court sentenced him on 20 July 2017.[2] Choi was 29 at the time.[1] The court fined him 12,000 won, about $10.65.[3] The fine was calculated at 3,000 won for each of the four doses.[3] The sentence matched what prosecutors had demanded at his first hearing on 29 June.[3] Choi will serve no prison time unless he commits an offence during the two-year probation.[3]

Choi was charged with smoking marijuana four times at his home in Yongsan District in Seoul between 9 and 14 October 2016.[2] Two sessions were in blunt form and two with liquid marijuana.[3] He smoked with a 21-year-old trainee singer.[1] He was indicted without detention in June.[1] A police hair follicle test in April proved positive.[3] He first denied smoking marijuana, later admitted two sessions, then pleaded guilty to all charges at the first hearing.[3]

The court said Choi had admitted the four sessions, shown full remorse, promised not to reoffend and was a first offender.[3] It also said he had disappointed fans.[3] The judge said drug offences damage body and mind and need heavy punishment.[4] Choi was serving as a conscripted policeman when he was indicted and was relieved of duty on 9 June.[3] The court said he could continue his service because the term was under 18 months, though his return date was undecided.[3] He was eligible for a police review of whether he was fit to serve again.[4] If he failed the review, he would finish his military duty as a public service worker.[4] Leaving court, Choi said he accepted the ruling and would take it as a life lesson.[4]