G-Dragon to be cleared of drug use allegations by end of month

G-Dragon (Kwon Ji-yong) is expected to be cleared of drug use allegations after a detailed examination resulted in a negative test.

According to the police on the 13th, the Drug Crime Investigation Unit of the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency plans to dismiss the case against Mr. Kwon due to lack of evidence.

Mr. Kwon received a negative result in a detailed drug test, and the investigation of six witnesses recently did not yield any statements to substantiate the allegations. Consequently, the police decided not to extend Mr. Kwon's travel ban, which expired around the 25th of last month.

A police official stated, "We plan to conclude the case with a finding of no suspicion against Mr. Kwon. The final decision is expected to be made by the end of December."

Previously, based on the statement of a 29-year-old female manager, Ms. A, of an entertainment establishment in Gangnam, Seoul, in September, the police suspected that Kwon Ji-yong might have used drugs in December last year at the establishment and initiated an investigation.

Last month, G-Dragon was charged without detention for violating the Narcotics Control Act but has consistently denied the allegations.

Following his voluntary appearance at the police station on the 6th of last month, Mr. Kwon denied the drug use allegations, saying, "I have never used drugs."

As a result, he tested negative for drugs in both the initial rapid drug test and the hair analysis, as well as in the detailed nail examination conducted by the National Forensic Service.

This led to criticism of the police for conducting an excessive investigation. However, the police clarified that it is standard procedure to investigate based on statements and that proving the absence of suspicion is also part of their duty.