SEOUL, June 5 — After coming under fire for alleged marijuana use, TOP of Big Bang has issued an apology to fans.
In the handwritten letter released by YG Entertainment yesterday, the rapper wrote, in a translation provided by The Korean Herald: “First of all, I would like to extend my sincere apology to many of you for causing huge disappointment and disturbance. I feel so embarrassed that I can’t show myself in front of you to apologise.”
“I have no excuses and deserve any kind of punishment. I feel very regretful and fearful for having left an irreparable scar in everyone’s hearts, including our members, my agency, friends and family. I will reflect on my wrongdoing over and over again. Once more, I apologise for not being able to apologise to everyone personally,” he added.
South Korean media reported on Thursday that TOP whose real name is Choi Seung-hyun had tested positive for marijuana after Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s drug crime unit conducted a drug test on him.
He began his military service on February 9 and has been serving in the band unit of the Seoul National Police Agency.
It is alleged that TOP smoked marijuana in October last year before enlisting and the police were tipped off in March this year.
According to multiple reports, the Seoul Drug Criminal Investigation Department officially charged TOP on June 1 and he was taken into custody. His case is now with prosecutors.
TOP is not the first Big Bang member to get caught by the long arm of the law over alleged drug use.
In 2011, G-Dragon also tested positive for marijuana but avoided prosecution as he claimed to have consumed it unknowingly.
