Prosecutors seek 3-year prison term for former Sinawe vocalist Kim Bada

Prosecutors have requested a 3-year prison sentence and a 500,000 won fine for former Sinawe vocalist Kim Bada during a closing hearing at the Sokcho Branch of Chuncheon District Court on the 28th. Kim, who was arrested in March for marijuana possession and use, expressed remorse for his actions and appealed for leniency.

Kim Bada (real name Kim Jung-nam), a former vocalist of the rock band Sinawe, has been sentenced to 3 years in prison by prosecutors on charges of marijuana possession and use. Appearing in court, Kim bowed his head repeatedly, expressing regret over a momentary lapse in judgment. He appealed for leniency, stating that witnessing the lives of those destroyed by drugs made him realize the dangers of narcotics, and that he painfully realized his actions had hurt his family and those around him.

The Criminal Division 1 of the Sokcho Branch of Chuncheon District Court held the closing hearing for Kim Bada's violation of the Narcotics Control Act (marijuana) on the 28th. On this day, the prosecution requested that the court sentence Kim Bada to 3 years in prison. They also requested the confiscation of seized items and a fine of 500,000 won. The sentencing request is the term requested by the prosecution to the court and does not necessarily match the actual final sentence.

In his final statement, Kim Bada showed an attitude of admitting his wrongdoing and reflecting on it. He stated, “I committed the sin of smoking marijuana due to a momentary error in judgment,” expressing great remorse for his complacent attitude toward the drug. He further emphasized, “I have vowed and sworn with all my heart that I will never touch illegal marijuana again.” He repeatedly demonstrated his determination to not repeat the same mistake rather than offering simple regret.

He also mentioned his experience attending a narcotics addict support group. Kim Bada explained that facing cases of lives ruined by drugs made him realize the dangers of narcotics once again. He said he realized that marijuana does not just negatively affect his own body and mind, but also causes great pain to the people he loves. He appealed for leniency, stating that the sight of those who suffered because of him felt heavier than his 30-year career in music.

Kim Bada was arrested in March on charges of marijuana possession and use, but he was not detained. At the time, the court rejected the arrest warrant due to insufficient grounds regarding concerns of flight risk and destruction of evidence. This was a judgment on the necessity of detention and is not a decision that determines guilt or the final sentence regarding the charges handled in the main trial.

After the incident became known, Kim Bada also directly conveyed his apologies to the public. He released a handwritten letter, stating that as he was preparing to resume activities, he felt it was his duty to clarify his position to those who had waited for and worried about him. He expressed that he felt pain thinking about the worry and hurt he caused to those who cared for and believed in him due to the incident in March.

He explained that after the incident, he reflected deeply on his life and contemplated what kind of person he should live as moving forward. He holds the position that rather than emphasizing reflection through words alone, it is important to show a changed person through his actions, life, and music. He promised to live more cautiously and apologize once more to those who were hurt, stating he now feels more deeply the preciousness of being able to stand on stage and sing.

Kim Bada's musical career is intertwined with the flow of Korean rock music in the 1990s. After debuting with the group Bank in 1995, he joined Sinawe as their fifth vocalist in the same year. He was active from Sinawe's 5.5 album through the 7th album before leaving the team in 1999, and subsequently continued his musical activities in bands such as Butterfly Effect, Ratios, and Art of Parties. He is a figure who has stood on stage for a long time, centered around his unique, individualistic vocals and rock music.

This case shows that even musicians with long musical careers are not free from legal responsibility for their choices. While Kim Bada emphasized his reflection and will to prevent recurrence in court, the final scope of responsibility will be determined through the court's judgment. Along with the sentencing following the 3-year prison request, interest remains in whether the changes he promised can actually continue in his future life and musical activities.

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