As more details about the investigation on BIGBANG T.O.P's drug investigation surfaces, netizens believe that a government conspiracy may be involved in the recent developments. Many users on social media are expecting that T.O.P may not get out of the drug charges as quickly as previous YG artists because of this.
According to a report by All K-pop, some netizens have started bringing out similar drug scandals involving BIGBANG leader G-Dragon and former 2NE1 member Park Bom several years back. It can be recalled that G-Dragon was also investigated for marijuana use in 2011 but eventually received a suspension of the indictment. Unlike T.O.P, however, G-Dragon denied using the drug at all. In 2014, former 2NE1 member Park Bom was found to have tried to smuggle in amphetamines from the US back in 2010 but the case was suspended by prosecutors. At the time, YG Boss Yang Hyun Suk explained in a lengthy social media post that Park Bom was receiving the drugs to treat a medical condition and that they were prescribed by her doctors.
Netizens speculated that the previous leniency on YG artists may be due to the rumored connection of the label to Choi Soon Shil, the aide of the former Korean President Park Gyun Hye. It can be recalled that last year, rumors emerged that Choi Soon Shil had a financial stake in YG Entertainment which could have allegedly prodded him to help YG artists clear up these issues affecting their image. Netizens said that unfortunately for T.O.P, the change in the administration may mean that it will be tougher for him to get leniency should he be found guilty of continued drug use.
YG Entertainment has already issued an official statement and public apology stating that T.O.P. admitted to using marijuana last year before enlisting for his mandatory service last February. However, the BIGBANG rapper was found positive of the substance after a drug test was conducted by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on his hair follicle. Since the use of marijuana is considered a violation of South Korean drug laws, the case has been forwarded to the prosecutors' office for further investigation. If found guilty, the standard penalty for a drug charge is a five-year imprisonment and a penalty of 50 million won, reported Next Shark.
