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Hwang Ha-na attends a court hearing to review the validity of her arrest warrant. (Photo: Yonhap News) |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] South Korean police plan to transfer Hwang Ha-na, 37, the granddaughter of Namyang Dairy Products’ founder, to prosecutors while she remains in custody, authorities said Friday.
The Gwacheon Police Station stated that Hwang, who has been detained on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act, will be handed over to the Anyang Branch of the Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office on January 2.
Hwang is accused of administering methamphetamine injections to two acquaintances in Seoul’s Gangnam district in July 2023. While under investigation, she allegedly fled South Korea in December 2023, first traveling to Thailand before illegally entering Cambodia after her passport was invalidated.
Police arrested Hwang on December 24 last year at Phnom Penh International Airport after she expressed her intention to voluntarily return to Korea. She has denied the allegations during questioning.
However, the court approved her arrest warrant, citing concerns over possible destruction of evidence.
While some entertainment media outlets reported allegations involving drug trafficking or prostitution during her time abroad, police said no such charges have been confirmed. Authorities emphasized that the only confirmed allegation is her alleged involvement in administering methamphetamine in 2023.
Hwang previously drew public attention due to her family background and her past relationship with singer and actor Park Yoo-chun. She has a prior criminal record related to drug use, having received a suspended prison sentence in 2019 and later serving an additional sentence after reoffending during her probation period.
알파경제 Paul Lee 특파원(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
