Korean TV personality Kim Na-jung claims she was forced to use drugs in the Philippines
Korean television personality Kim Na-jung claimed that she was forced to intake drugs during her visit to the Philippines as she faced an investigation from authorities in South Korea.
According to a statement she released on her now-deleted Instagram account, the TV presenter-turned-celebrity apologized to the public for causing concern before assuring them that she would "fully cooperate with the investigation," The Korea Times reported.
The statement, which was written by her lawyer Kim Yeon-ki, detailed that Na-jung flew to Manila to meet up with a businessman who promised to help her with her business venture.
The man then allegedly forced the Korean star to inhale drugs, with Yeon-ki claiming that there is a video showing Na-jung with her hands tied and her eyes blindfolded to serve as evidence.
The lawyer denied that Na-jung, a former freelance announcer, met up with the businessman for "sponsorship" arrangements, or where "financial support is exchanged for companionships with public figures."
The statement claimed that the man was a "fugitive wanted for multiple crimes" and that he threatened to end Na-jung's life as well as those close to her if she revealed his identity.
Despite the forced drug intake, Na-jung's lawyers stressed that it only happened once.
"She has never used drugs multiple times, as some speculate, and there was no reason for her to do so in a country like the Philippines, where drug penalties are severe," the statement read.
In a report by allkpop, authorities decided to question the television announcer upon her arrival at the Incheon International Airport on Nov. 12 due to receiving reports about her concerning posts about drug use on social media.
On that day, Na-jung posted on her Instagram: "I am at the Conrad Hotel in Manila. I am being threatened with my life," and "I am too scared to go to the airport or take a taxi. Please help."
The post also included a photo of the interior of a hotel in Manila.
Na-jung was interrogated by police for about two hours and was given a preliminary drug test. After which, she reportedly tested positive for methamphetamines.
"Kim Na Jung was questioned to clarify the facts related to the posts she made on social media. She has not been formally charged with drug use, and the investigation was conducted at the pre-investigation (preliminary) level," a police official stated.
While the authorities said they have no plans yet to investigate the incident in the Philippines, they will still push forward with Na-jung's case by probing her statements and other evidence gathered in Korea.
