When Yoon Cheol-jong left the indie duo 10cm in early July, neither his agency nor his bandmate Kwon Jung-yeol knew that Yoon was dealing with charges over marijuana use.

Yoon Cheol-jong (10cm's Facebook)

Local media reported Tuesday that Yoon was charged with smoking marijuana in May. He dropped out of the band on July 5, citing health issues.

A report also said that Yoon smoked marijuana twice in July last year with an acquaintance, who was arrested on April 7 for growing and selling marijuana.

Yoon was summoned for investigation on May 11 and he admitted to the charges. His case was sent to prosecutors Tuesday, according to police.

Following the revelation, 10cm’s agency Magic Strawberry Sound issued a letter Wednesday on its official blog to deliver both Yoon and Kwon’s statements regarding the issue.

The agency said, “We also came to know about the marijuana controversy involving Yoon through local news reports. All of our staff and Kwon are in shock right now. After several attempts to reach
Yoon, we’ve finally heard from him. We’d like to share his words.”

10cm (10cm's Facebook)

According to the agency, Yoon admitted that he was at fault, adding that he decided to leave the group so that Kwon and the agency would not suffer from his wrongdoing. He also said that he deeply regrets leaving the duo without enough explanation and that he would accept punishment for his charges.

In response to Yoon’s words, the agency said, “We also thought it was weird when Yoon left the group due to health issues. But now that the truth has been revealed, we feel very sorry for him. We hope he will take enough time to reflect on himself, and carry on with his life with a healthy mindset like before.”

Kwon had made clear that he would continue his musical activities with 10cm in Yoon’s absence.

He said, “I can’t hide my sad feelings right now in the face of my ex-bandmate’s news, but I will try to keep my focus on the band’s upcoming release.”

By Hong Dam-young (lotus@heraldcorp.com)