Tax-backed weed bunker bust latest in 'underground' drug investigations

What seemed like a taxpayer-backed “smart farm” was, investigators say, a different kind of green operation: an underground weed bunker hidden beneath a greenhouse complex in Ganghwa, Incheon.

2026-03-04

Wrong way driver arrested after series of crashes, telling police he used marijuana

Police arrested a driver on suspicion of drug use after the person drove the wrong way for about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) on an expressway and caused a series of crashes, authorities said Thursday.

2026-01-22

Yoo Ah-in drug charges upheld by top court, actor handed fine and suspended sentence

Korea’s top court on Thursday upheld a suspended prison sentence for actor Yoo Ah-in, confirming his conviction on charges of habitual drug abuse, including the illegal use of propofol and marijuana.

2025-07-03

Cannabis-derived substance still illegal after Supreme Court overturns ruling

If a product made from the cannabis stem or roots carries the same substances contained in its leaves, then the product is illegal, the Supreme Court of Korea says.

2025-06-23

Police arrest woman who grew 31 opium poppies in shared apartment garden

Police arrested a woman in her 60s for growing poppies, flowers from which the illegal drug opium is derived, because she thought “they were pretty.”

2025-05-15

Two middle schoolers busted for allegedly smoking pot, making a scene

Police apprehended two middle school students after they allegedly smoked marijuana and caused a disturbance near an apartment complex in Seoul.

2025-05-12

YouTuber-rapper gets suspended sentence for repeat marijuana use

A 28-year-old rapper and YouTuber with 610,000 subscribers received a suspended prison sentence for smoking marijuana, the Incheon District Court said Tuesday.

2025-04-29

PPP lawmaker's daughter-in-law fails drug test following son's weed arrest

The daughter-in-law and son of PPP lawmaker Lee Chul-gyu tested positive for cannabis, with the son facing charges related to drug possession.

2025-04-23

Drug charges against son of North Korean defector Tae Yong-ho dismissed

Drug use allegations against the eldest son of Tae Yong-ho, former conservative People Power Party lawmaker and North Korean defector, have been dismissed.

2025-02-06

F1 drivers complain about marijuana smoke while preparing for Las Vegas Grand Prix

Formula 1 drivers complained this week about the smell of marijuana as they prepared for the Las Vegas Grand Prix , with one even joking they could fail drug tests.

2024-11-25

korea joongAng daily