G-Dragon and Lee Sun-kyun Face Overseas Travel Ban Amid Ongoing Drug Investigations

Incheon, South Korea-Police have issued overseas travel bans on BIGBANG member G-Dragon and actor Lee Sun-kyun of the Oscar-winning film “Parasite” as part of ongoing drug investigations, officials disclosed on Friday.

According to a new release by Yonhap News Agency, both stars have recently been booked for investigation on charges related to the use of illegal drugs. The agency confirmed that the travel bans were imposed after ensuring both individuals are currently in South Korea.

In the coming days, the police intend to administer drug tests on Lee and G-Dragon to ascertain whether they have used illegal substances and, if so, the frequency and types of drugs consumed.

Lee Sun-kyun is suspected of using marijuana and other illegal drugs multiple times since the beginning of the year. He is alleged to have used these substances at the residence of a hostess employed at a high-end bar in Seoul’s Gangnam district. As part of the investigation, the police have requested a digital forensic analysis of the hostess’s mobile phone.

The police became aware of Lee’s suspected drug use during an investigation that commenced last month. The investigation was spurred by a tip concerning illegal drug activity in Gangnam nightclubs. As a result, eight individuals, including Lee, the hostess, a third-generation heir to a conglomerate family, and an aspiring entertainer have been booked.

G-Dragon, whose real name is Kwon Ji-yong, is separately under investigation for potential violations of the Narcotics Control Act. Kwon released a statement earlier in the day, denying any drug use and pledging to cooperate fully with the police investigation.

In 2011, Kwon faced a similar probe after admitting to smoking marijuana, although he claimed he was unaware it was an illegal substance. Prosecutors eventually dropped that case.