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B.I drug scandal: Prosecution asks for 3-year jail term, fans say 'lean on us Hanbin'

The former iKON member admitted to past drug use and revealed that he had contemplated suicide

Trigger warning: suicide

On B.I aka Kim Hanbin’s first court hearing, the prosecution cut to the chase as they asked the court for a three-year jail sentence along with 1.5M won as a fine. B.I bowed his head as he admitted to his mistake while his father broke down in the court. The idol had previously left his K-pop group iKON when accusations of him using marijuana surfaced in 2019. After an investigation and a drug test that was negative, he returned to the music scene.

B.I debuted as a soloist in 2021 with his charity single with much pomp as his fans were eagerly waiting for him. He went on to release his first studio album ‘Waterfall’ which swept several charts like Billboard, Gaon and iTunes. He is also the youngest executive director of IOK Company. IDs, his fans, were happy for him as he had returned doing what he loved. In fact, just a day earlier, on August 26, his label had announced that he would be having his first solo concert. Fans were impressed as they couldn’t help but notice how calm he was with his first court hearing the next day.

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B.I's first court hearing

Unfortunately, things did not go smoothly in the first hearing. On August 27, B.I was charged with illegal use of marijuana thrice and illegal purchase of LSD once in 2016. His defence stated that “he admitted to the purchase and use of drugs” and is reflecting on them. However, they pointed out to the court that at the time, he was only 19 and it was out of curiosity that he made a mistake. This is also his first case and he has had no prior records. They also mentioned his philanthropic side and continuous community service and donations since his debut like his 2021 charity single.

B.I was also given a chance to speak where he said that he was naive and young at the time. He also revealed that he had had suicidal thoughts and did not wish to live back then. After introspecting, he explained that he would never make a mistake of such caliber ever again. He ended his statement by saying, “I will continue to reflect on myself. I want to protect those I cherish.”

Hanbin's father also spoke up as he took the blame on himself. Bursting into tears he stated that he should have educated his son better but instead, he just showed off his accomplishments. He added that his younger daughter was also being bullied due to the case and wanted to protect his family. He finished his statement by asking the court to give his family a second chance with a lighter treatment. After much deliberation, the court announced that they will carry out the sentencing on September 10.

'How long will Hanbin and his family suffer?'

While marijuana has been legalized in certain parts of the world, it is still a criminal offence in South Korea. Previously, former BTOB member Jung Ilhoon was sentenced to jail for two years for using marijuana. IDs all banded together to show their support on Twitter and trended B.I’s real name Kim Hanbin and ‘Lean on us Hanbin’. They were touched that despite the looming case he had continued to put out music for his fans, “Hanbin doing all of these, holding on for this long, still fighting amidst everything. not solely to defend for himself, explain himself but most importantly to protect all the precious people he values the most… One of the bests men methinks forever.”

One ID posted, “No matter what LEAN ON US HANBIN.” Another exasperated fan added, “How long will hanbin and his family suffer in this issue? it's already 2021 and he's already proven negative. give my man the freedom and justice that he deserves. :))” But another was more blunt, “Tw//suicide 19 year old hanbin made one mistake when he was struggling with suicidal thoughts and for that he's being treated like a criminal and his family is being bullied... people are f**ked up fr.” They also pointed out that the prosecution were mainly targeting him because he was a public figure, “Prosecutors sounds so jealous to hanbin for getting richer in 3 years.”

Fans were also shocked about his suicidal revelation and rushed to post loving comments, “Thank you for choosing to live, Hanbin @shxx131bi131 I love you and I will support you in your journey in becoming a better person,” and “Thank you for choosing to live, hanbin.”