[Photo by Yoo Dae-gil = dbeorlf123@ajunews.com]
BIGBANG member TOP apologized and called for mercy as prosecutors sought a suspended jail term for smoking marijuana multiple times before he started his mandatory military service as a conscripted policeman in February.
"I extend my sincere apology to many of you who have been hurt and disappointed by my activity," the 29-year-old said in a statement he read before walking into the courtroom.
Prosecutors demanded a 10-month prison sentence with a stay of execution for two years. TOP's lawyer called for a fine saying the singer was fully repentant for making an "irrevocable" mistake due to psychological disturbances and extreme stress. The lawyer said the singer had received medical treatment for his "panic disorder and depression".
TOP was charged with smoking marijuana four times at his home with a 21-year-old singer trainee in October last year, a few months before he joined the boot camp. Initially, he argued he only smoked electronic cigarettes but he was tested positive in a test for drug residues in hair.
"This kind of affair will never happen again and I'm ready to receive any punishment," TOP said in his statement, admitting he committed a "foolish" crime. The verdict will come on July 20. Smoking or consuming marijuana is illegal in South Korea and violators could be sentenced to less than five years in prison.
Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
