Keith Ape was convicted of violating the Narcotics Act by smoking cannabis and vape liquid five times at his home and music studio between February of 2023 and January of 2024. Since marijuana is illegal in Korea, he was sentenced to 18 months in jail, 40 hours of rehab, and a US$550 fine.

In its ruling, the court stated: “The defendant is highly blameworthy, the degree of narcotics addiction is severe, and the risk of recidivism cannot be considered low.” The sentence was also heightened because Ape was on probation at the time. On the day of a scheduled drug test at the probation office, he returned home and used again. Additional substances were reportedly found in his system.

It G ma, for real.

Keith Ape appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the punishment was excessive. On Wednesday, February 25, the appeal was dismissed. The court ruled that claims of unjust sentencing are only valid grounds for appeal in cases involving the death penalty, life imprisonment, or sentences exceeding 10 years. As a result, the conviction and sentence were upheld.