Marijuana Trial

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Idol group Big Bang member T.O.P., whose real name is Choi Seung-hyun, showed up at court on charges of smoking marijuana. Here’s more on the celebrity case.

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Choi Seung-hyun, better known as Big Bang member T.O.P., appeared for his trial dressed in a suit. Choi read an apology he had written in front of reporters.

[Soundbite] Choi Seung-hyun(Big Bang Member) : "I will willingly receive any punishment. I am truly sorry. Lastly, I apologize to my mother."

Choi was put on trial for having smoked marijuana several times at his home last October. At the first hearing yesterday, the prosecution sought ten months in prison with two years of probation. Choi's attorney asked for lenience, claiming that the rapper committed the crime impulsively as he was under extreme stress over his impending military enlistment. During questioning by police and prosecutors, Choi had consistently denied smoking e-cigarettes containing marijuana solution. But in yesterday's trial he admitted that he had smoked marijuana cigarettes twice. After his crime was revealed, Choi overdosed on sedatives and had to be hospitalized. Choi was serving his military term as an enlisted police officer, but he has now been relieved of duty because of the marijuana charge. He will have to serve in the military again. The ruling for his first trial is to be handed down on July 20th.