Park Bom of 2NE1 (YG Entertainment)

2NE1 member Park Bom’s return to the music scene is expected to be further delayed, with YG Entertainment CEO’s announcement that she needs more time for self-reflection over last year’s drug scandal.

“This is a sensitive issue to talk about, but I honestly think she needs more time to look back on herself,” YG Entertainment CEO Yang Hyun-suk said during a press conference after boyband iKON’s concert on Saturday.

“There is a lot to say (and explain), but if the public thinks it (the drug scandal) was a problem, then it is her problem,” he added, explaining that some of the issues raised then were false accusations.

Speaking up about the “Lonely” singer, Yang said it will be difficult to release 2NE1’s new album in the near future.

In June 2014, a local daily reported that Park was caught by customs at the Incheon International Airport in 2010 while trying to smuggle drugs into Korea. Local reports had said she sent 82 pills of narcotic amphetamines from the U.S. to her grandmother’s address in 2010.

But the prosecution suspended the case, giving up to investigate the case or punish her for the crime.

By Suk Gee-hyun (monicasuk@heraldcorp.com)