Don Spike, an internationally acclaimed K-pop composer, was sentenced to three years in prison and suspended after pleading guilty to drug charges and abuse. On January 9, the artist went on trial for the first time in the Northern District Court of Seoul for violating multiple laws prohibiting the possession and use of psychotropic and narcotics, including the Law on Aggravated Punishment for Specific Crimes.
In addition to three years in prison, the 45-year-old performer was sentenced to five years probation and 80 hours of drug awareness training as part of his rehabilitation. He must also perform 120 hours of community service and pay a hefty fine of 40 million won. Don Spike received a sentence less severe than the five-year term requested by the prosecution, the court ruling said. He pleaded guilty early in the legal process, and his family and those close to him filed several petitions. The verdict stated:
“The support of his family and those close to him has been included (in the verdict) because it can prevent repetition of criminal offenses.”
Don Spike has spent more than 45 million won on narcotics since 2021.
Kim Min-su, aka Don Spike, was arrested on September 28, 2022 at a hotel in Seoul’s Gangnam District on charges of violating the Drug Control Act. The musician reportedly acquired 45 million won worth of methamphetamine and used it recreationally more than 14 times. According to a North Seoul District Court ruling, Min-su obtained more than 100 grams of meth and persuaded other individuals to use drugs recreationally. The decree went on to explain the reason for the artist’s punishment:
“Given the magnitude of the allegations, the defendant had obtained more than 100 grams of methamphetamine and led many people to abuse the substance.”
Possession, production or use of drugs with a street value of at least 5 million won but less than 50 million won is punishable by imprisonment of three years in Korea. The minimum penalty for possession of drugs worth more than 50 million won is seven years in prison. Don Spike spoke to the press after being detained by officials and confirmed the allegations were correct. Kim Min-su pleaded guilty to the charges leveled against him at a court hearing in December.
He had 30 grams of cocaine on him at the time of his arrest, enough for nearly 600 uses. Spike faces drug abuse charges for the third time. He was sentenced to 5 million won in 2010 for his continued use of cannabis. Don Spike is a well-known musician who has written and arranged many K-pop songs for various artists. The amazing K-pop boy band EXO is one of the most renowned artists to have collaborated with Spike. In addition to his job in the entertainment industry, Spike also owned BBQ eatery Low & Slow. According to sources, Don Spike is currently being held at the Seoul Dongbu Detention Center.
