As the music world reels from the shocking arrest of House Rules member Ahn Ji-seok on drug charges, the question on everyone's lips is: Can he avoid a prison sentence at the appeal trial?

According to legal circles, the 5th Criminal Department of the Seoul High Court is scheduled to hold an appeal trial on June 15th for Ahn Ji-seok, accused of violating the Narcotics Control Act.

Prosecution sources report that Ahn Ji-seok purchased and smoked marijuana from March to October 2022 and had been growing marijuana in his home, where he lives with his minor child. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of 148 grams of marijuana, which led to his detention and indictment on November 8, 2022.

In the subsequent trials, Ahn Ji-seok submitted numerous letters of apology, effectively admitting to his charges. The first court sentenced him to two years in prison with a three-year suspension of execution. Following the verdict, both the prosecutor and Ahn Ji-seok appealed, with Ahn Ji-seok submitting letters of apology along with petitions during the appeal.

Immediately after opening the public trial for Ahn Ji-seok, the court concluded the arguments.

The charges against Ahn Ji-seok came to light when the Violent Crime Investigation Department of the Seoul Central District Prosecutor's Office (chief prosecutor Shin Jun-ho) indicted 20 people, including the grandsons of the founders of Namyoung Dairy and Hyosung Group, and the son of a former police chief, on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act (marijuana) in December 2022. Seventeen of these were prosecuted, while three who were not indicted have fled abroad and are now on the wanted list.

The accused have been charged with dealing, possessing or smoking marijuana between July 2021 and November 2022. Police investigations have revealed that the marijuana trade primarily involved the grandson of Namyang Dairy founder the late Hong Du-young, and the prosecution believes that 20 people, including second and third generations of conglomerates and medium-sized companies, entertainment agency representatives, and American singers, were involved.

As the prosecution appeals for an unfair sentence, all eyes are on whether Ahn Ji-seok will avoid a prison sentence at the appeal.

Ahn Ji-seok began his career as a street dancer and debuted as a member of House Rules in 2007. House Rules, formed by a DJ, producer, saxophonist, and performance artist Ahn Ji-seok, gained popularity in major clubs in Hongdae and Apgujeong before their official debut, showcasing house genre music. They've released multiple albums and hit songs such as "Do it," "Mojito," "Like the First Time," "Home," and "Ku-Chi-Ta-Chi," establishing a solid fan base in the house club scene.

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