Musicians arrested in South Korea for growing marijuana in homes and studios

A group of musicians, including a member of a popular hip-hop group and a music instructor, have been arrested in South Korea for allegedly cultivating and distributing marijuana. The suspects are accused of using specialized tents within their homes and music studios to grow the drug, which they then smoked or intended to sell.

Prosecutors revealed that the group, aged between 33 and 42, imported marijuana seeds and cultivation equipment from overseas. They meticulously set up indoor facilities with lighting, ventilation, and climate control systems to grow 53 marijuana plants between January 2023 and March 2024. Advanced odor-masking technology was employed to prevent detection.

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Prosecutors, customs, and police are combining their investigative expertise and field capabilities to thoroughly investigate drug crimes that have deeply penetrated daily life.

Among those arrested are a music instructor, a hip-hop artist, a composer, and an English instructor. They allegedly shared and consumed the homegrown marijuana among themselves. Authorities confiscated approximately 3 kilograms of marijuana, about 545 grams of marijuana gummies, and 30 plants currently under cultivation. In a related operation, four individuals were arrested for large-scale marijuana cultivation in a warehouse, with three subsequently detained. Further investigation revealed that two of these suspects had fraudulently obtained nearly $700,000 in low-interest loans intended for young agricultural entrepreneurs.

Prosecutors emphasized their commitment to thoroughly investigating drug-related crimes that have infiltrated daily life. They stressed that cultivating and manufacturing drugs carries more severe penalties than simple possession and vowed to pursue strict punishment for those involved.

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Manufacturing and cultivating drugs is a more serious offense than simple use, and we plan to punish it strictly.