Hwang Ha-na arrested in Cambodia after year on the run over South Korea drug allegations

 South Korean police have arrested Hwang Ha-na, the granddaughter of the founder of Namyang Dairy Products, after locating her in Cambodia following more than a year on the run.

The Gyeonggi Gwacheon Police Station announced on 24 December 2025 that Hwang had been taken into custody on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Act, according to reports by multiple South Korean news outlets.

Hwang, aged 37, is a well-known public figure due to her family background and past relationship with singer-actor Park Yoo-chun, formerly of K-pop group TVXQ.

Police confirmed that investigations into her alleged drug-related offences are ongoing, with further questioning planned following her return to South Korea.

Allegations linked to July 2023 incident

Hwang’s latest legal troubles began in July 2023, when she was arrested in Seoul’s Gangnam district.

According to a report by Korea JoongAng Daily, police accused her of administering methamphetamine to two acquaintances during that period.

Authorities said that while the initial investigation was ongoing, Hwang allegedly committed additional drug-related offences, prompting further scrutiny.

Police noted that more investigation is required to establish the full scope of the alleged violations.

Departure from South Korea and Interpol notice

Hwang reportedly left South Korea for Thailand in December 2023 while she was under active police investigation.

After authorities failed to locate her, police requested an Interpol blue notice in May 2024 to track her movements internationally.

Her South Korean passport was also invalidated as part of efforts to prevent further international travel, according to police statements.

Despite these measures, investigators believe Hwang later entered Cambodia illegally.

Suspected illegal entry into Cambodia

Police stated that Cambodian immigration authorities had no official record of Hwang’s entry into the country.

A spokesperson said investigators believe she remained in Cambodia for several months without valid documentation.

During this period, her whereabouts were occasionally reported by South Korean entertainment media.

In October 2025, she again drew public attention following claims that she was living a lavish lifestyle in Cambodia, though these reports were not officially verified.

Arrest coordinated with Cambodian authorities

According to Korea JoongAng Daily, Hwang’s lawyer recently informed South Korean police that she intended to appear voluntarily for questioning.

Police responded by moving quickly to secure her arrest before she could evade authorities again.

Investigators travelled to Cambodia, coordinated with a Korean consular representative, and took Hwang into custody.

An arrest warrant was executed aboard a Korean aircraft at Phnom Penh International Airport before her departure.

Return to South Korea and questioning

Hwang arrived in South Korea on 24 December 2025 and was immediately detained by police.

Another update from the Gyeonggi Gwacheon Police Station stated that she landed at Incheon International Airport at around 7.50am local time.

Officers were already waiting to escort her for questioning related to her outstanding drug charges.

Police confirmed that formal questioning and legal proceedings are now under way.

Previous convictions and past drug offences

Hwang has a long history of drug-related legal issues in South Korea.

She was previously caught using methamphetamine on three occasions between May and September 2015.

In 2019, her former partner Park Yoo-chun received a suspended sentence for using methamphetamine together with her.

In 2020, Hwang was convicted again after using drugs while on probation.

She was subsequently sentenced to one year and eight months in prison.

Links to high-profile entertainment scandals

Hwang has also been linked by South Korean media to the high-profile Burning Sun scandal.

The case involved allegations of drug use, sexual crimes, and corruption at a nightclub in Seoul.

Reports claimed that Hwang had close relationships with key figures in the case and frequently visited the club for alleged drug parties.

Authorities have not confirmed whether these allegations form part of the current investigation.

Claims and rumours during her time abroad

While Hwang was overseas, rumours circulated online about her personal life and activities.

Some reports alleged she invited friends to join her abroad and maintained connections with influential figures in Cambodia.

Unverified claims also suggested she was pregnant, though no official confirmation was made by authorities or her legal representatives.

Police have not commented on these rumours, stating their focus remains on the alleged drug offences.

Police stance and next steps

Police said they will continue questioning Hwang to clarify the circumstances surrounding her alleged crimes.

Investigators are also examining her movements after leaving South Korea, including how she entered and remained in Cambodia.

Authorities stated that further charges could be considered depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations.