SEOUL - G-Dragon, a member of the popular K-pop group BIGBANG, has tested negative for narcotics.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the results of a detailed analysis conducted on his nail samples by the National Forensic Service. This announcement was made by police officers on Tuesday.
The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency received notification from the National Forensic Service about the negative drug test results on G-Dragon's fingernails and toenails. G-Dragon, whose real name is Kwon Ji-yong, had been under investigation since October 25 over allegations of illegal drug use, which also led to a travel ban.
During his initial questioning on November 6, the police conducted a brief reagent test, and samples of his hair and nails were sent for a more comprehensive analysis to the National Forensic Service. Both his hair sample and the brief reagent test had previously returned negative results.
Experts note that drug users typically test positive if narcotics are used five to ten days before the test. However, accuracy diminishes for drug use that occurred long before. A narcotics analysis of a hair sample can detect drug use within the past year, depending on hair length, while nail testing can detect usage up to five or six months prior.
This is not the first time G-Dragon has faced drug allegations. In 2011, he was investigated for marijuana use, which he admitted to but claimed to be unaware of the substance consumed. The case was eventually dropped by prosecutors.