Singer MC Mong (real name Shin Dong Hyun) has been cleared of allegations that he obtained sleep medication through a former manager. Police decided not to forward the case to prosecutors after determining that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations, based on statements from those involved and detailed testing conducted by the National Forensic Service. With the allegations now cleared, MC Mong has also resumed his stage activities, recently holding his first solo concert in four years.
According to reports from Yonhap News Agency and other outlets, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station announced on August 20 that it had decided on August 18 not to forward MC Mong's case concerning alleged violations of the Narcotics Control Act to prosecutors. A decision not to forward a case is made when police determine, following an investigation, that criminal charges cannot be substantiated or that there is insufficient reason to send the case to prosecutors. In this case, police concluded that there was not enough evidence to establish that MC Mong had obtained zolpidem through a proxy prescription. Police interviewed MC Mong and his former manager to obtain statements and requested a detailed examination of MC Mong by the National Forensic Service. After comprehensively reviewing the relevant materials and test results, police concluded that there was insufficient evidence to establish criminal wrongdoing.
The investigation began after former Korean Medical Association President Lim Hyun Taek filed a complaint against MC Mong. In January, Lim filed a complaint alleging that MC Mong had obtained zolpidem, a psychotropic medication, using the name of his former manager. Zolpidem is a sleep medication commonly used to treat insomnia and is classified as a psychotropic drug, meaning its distribution and use are subject to strict regulations. The Daejeon Seobu Police Station, which initially received the case, questioned Lim as the complainant. The case was later transferred to the Seoul Gangnam Police Station, which has jurisdiction over MC Mong's residence. Gangnam police subsequently conducted additional investigations, including questioning those involved and arranging detailed testing. The approximately six-month police investigation has now concluded with a decision not to forward the case to prosecutors.
MC Mong recently resumed his stage activities by holding his first solo concert in four years. From August 14 to 16, MC Mong met with fans at his solo concert 'Midsummer Night's Ice=Kkaekki' at YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, Seoul. The concert marked his first solo performance in approximately four years, following his previous concert in 2022. After the concert, MC Mong shared photos from the performance on social media on August 17, writing, "August was beautiful. Thank you." Ahead of the concert, MC Mong also expressed his determination to return to the stage, saying, "Rather than hiding amid speculation and misunderstandings, a singer can prove themselves on stage." Following his Seoul performances, MC Mong is scheduled to continue his concert activities with a performance in Busan on August 29.
