The former executive of YG Entertainment's trial has been postponed.
Keep on reading to know more.
Yang Hyun Suk's Trial Hearing on Suspicions of Covering Up Former iKON Member B.I's Drug Case Has Been Postponed
On the morning of June 25 KST, the Criminal Affairs Division 23 of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Chief Judge Yoo Young Geun, was set to hold the trial hearing of Yang Hyun Suk, the founder, and former chief executive of YG Entertainment, on the charges of violating the Act on Aggravated Punishment for Specific Crimes (retaliation and intimidation) after trying to cover up former iKON member and leader, B.I's drug case.
However, the trial hearing was postponed. The new trial preparation date will be held next month on July 16.
Previously, Yang Hyun Suk has been accused of threatening Mr. Han to change his statement regarding his accusation of B.I making drug purchases. Back in 2016, Mr. Han was under a drug-related investigation. During that time, Mr. Han had mentioned B.I's drug use allegations.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Yang Hyun Suk Charged For Threatening Informant Regarding B.I's Drug Case + B.I Charged Without Detention
Since then, a total of three investigations have been conducted in connection to the "Love Scenario" singer's drug allegations. However, during Mr. Han's last investigation, he had overturned his statement and said that B.I had not consumed any drugs.
Later in 2019, Mr. Han had reported to the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission that he had overturned his previous statement after experiencing external pressure from YG Entertainment. He then stepped up as an informant of public interest.
After the public report that garnered media attention, the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency's regional investigation team had charged Yang Hyun Suk with intimidation, while B.I was charged with drug use. Yang Hyun Suk and B.I were both forwarded to the prosecution for questioning.
Meanwhile, B.I is currently being charged with using drugs such as marijuana and LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide). The "illa illa" singer's trial on his drug charges is set to take place next month on July 9.
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B.I Draws Flak for Releasing New Album During Drug Investigation
Back on June 1, the former iKON member made a comeback with his first full-length solo album, "WATERFALL," which subsequently topped numerous charts both domestic and international. The album contained 12 new tracks, including his title track "illa illa," which broke the record as the most viewed solo artist debut music video in the first 24 hours with more than 12.7 million views on Youtube.
However, as many fans - especially iKONICs, iKON's fandom - welcomed the return of the former group leader and were highly anticipating his new album and songs, many netizens also expressed their disapproval of B.I releasing an album amid his ongoing drug investigation and trial hearing.
Following the backlash, B.I and his label, IOK Company, released a statement stating that they acknowledge their past mistakes, and is discussing the direction of contributing to the world as a more upright member of society.
READ MORE: B.I Apologizes for Releasing Album Amid Ongoing Drug Investigation
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Written by Robyn Joan
