"Released, Then Tested Again" Shocking Twist for 'Suwon Drug Zombie' Caught Standing Limp: Detailed Analysis Reveals Positive Result

Negative Preliminary and Urine Tests Led to Release
Further Investigation Revealed Evidence of Past Drug Use
"Hair Analysis Can Confirm Past Drug Use"

A man in his 30s, who became the subject of controversy after being seen standing with a hunched back posture similar to that of fentanyl users—commonly referred to as "zombie drug" abusers—has ultimately tested positive for narcotics in a detailed hair analysis conducted by the National Forensic Service.

According to Yonhap News Agency on August 18, the Suwon Gwonseon Police Station in Gyeonggi Province announced that a detailed analysis of Mr. A’s hair had shown a positive result for narcotics.

The National Forensic Service conducted a detailed examination of Mr. A’s hair last month. Mr. A was initially arrested on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Act but was subsequently released. The police searched his residence and forensically examined his mobile phone, securing circumstantial evidence suggesting possible drug use.

‘Suwon Drug Zombie’ Video... Controversy Spreads on Social Media

Last June in Suwon, a man was spotted standing in an awkward posture, sparking controversy. Thread

This case first came to public attention in June 2026, when videos related to the incident circulated on social networking services (SNS). The footage showed a man standing near a bus stop in an apartment complex in Gwonseon-gu, Suwon, with a hunched back and both arms hanging limp for an extended period. Under titles such as “Suwon Fentanyl Today” and “Suwon Drug Zombie,” the videos spread rapidly online, prompting viewers to raise suspicions of drug use.

As controversy grew, police identified Mr. A, the man in the footage, on June 23 and performed a rapid drug test. When the test turned up positive for methamphetamine, he was immediately arrested. However, after the National Forensic Service’s initial screening the following day yielded a negative result, Mr. A was released and the investigation continued without detention.

At the time, Mr. A reportedly denied allegations during police questioning, saying, “My body felt weak that day, which is why I was standing like that.” A detailed urinalysis by the National Forensic Service also came back negative. However, through additional investigation, police reportedly uncovered evidence suggesting he had used drugs in the past.

Positive → Negative → Positive… Why the Test Results Varied

The differing test results stem from the varying methods of analysis. Urine tests are generally used to detect recent drug use, while hair tests can track possible drug use stretching from several months up to about a year, depending on hair growth.

Meanwhile, police plan to summon Mr. A as a suspect on August 20 for further questioning regarding the details of the case and will then consider whether to request an arrest warrant. A police official stated, “Because hair analysis can detect drug use from much earlier periods, the results may differ from rapid screening or urinalysis. We are continuing the investigation to clarify the exact circumstances of the incident.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.