Park Bom of the group 2NE1 stirred controversy by posting a lengthy letter on the 3rd.
In the letter, Park Bom stated, "I am doing well and not sick. I am cautious because I am worried about causing a stir, but the medication known as Adderall, which is a psychoactive substance, weighs on my mind," and added, "That is not a drug. I am an ADD(Attention Deficit Disorder) patient."
Park Bom was previously embroiled in a drug import controversy in 2019. At that time, her agency stated, "We brought Adderall through international express mail from the United States. Although it is a legally approved medication by the U.S. FDA, we did not accurately recognize that it was classified as a narcotic under domestic law, making its distribution prohibited."
They further explained, "Park Bom suffers from ADD and has been receiving consistent treatment at a domestic university hospital, and she is prescribed and taking a legal medication with similar ingredients that can be used in the country."
ADD, 'Quiet ADHD' with Attention Deficits Without Hyperactivity
ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder. It refers to a type of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) where hyperactivity is not prominent. Currently, there is no medical diagnosis specifically called ADD; it is used as a common term to describe a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by attention deficits within ADHD. It is also referred to as 'quiet ADHD.' ADHD occurs in about 2-5% of adults, with ADD accounting for 30-50% of that population.
The main symptoms of ADD include △difficulty maintaining focus, △being easily distracted, △lack of organizational and planning skills, and △frequently forgetting appointments or tasks. As a result, individuals may show lower performance compared to their abilities in school or work. Since ADD patients exhibit little to no hyperactivity, they may be misunderstood as quiet or dazed, or simply evaluated as lazy.
Adderall, an Amphetamine Component That Induces Stimulation and Dependence, Is Illegal in Korea
The Adderall mentioned by Park Bom is not an approved medication in Korea. This is because its main ingredient, amphetamine, is classified as a psychoactive drug under Korea's Narcotics Control Act. It is generally illegal for individuals to bring it in from abroad. Therefore, it cannot be used as a treatment for ADD or ADHD in Korea.
In contrast, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially approved Adderall as a prescription medication. It is primarily prescribed for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy (a sleep disorder characterized by sudden sleep). The reason Adderall is used for ADHD is that it increases the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. ADHD patients often have a low-functioning neurotransmitter system, making it effective. However, misuse can lead to stimulation effects and dependence.
In Korea, instead of amphetamine-based treatments for ADHD, methylphenidate-based medications are primarily used.
Park Bom, a member of the legendary K-pop group 2NE1, sparked significant public interest on the 3rd by posting a candid letter addressing her health. In the message, she sought to clarify long-standing misconceptions regarding her medical history, specifically her use of the medication Adderall.
"I am doing well and I am not sick," Park wrote. "I am cautious because I worry about causing a stir, but the medication known as Adderall weighs on my mind. It is not a drug; I am an ADD patient."
The singer was previously embroiled in a legal controversy in 2019 involving the import of the substance. At the time, her agency explained that while Adderall is an FDA-approved prescription in the United States, they had failed to recognize that its distribution is prohibited under South Korean law. They further clarified that Park has been receiving consistent treatment at a domestic university hospital for her condition.
Understanding ADD: The ‘Quiet’ Form of ADHD
ADD, or Attention Deficit Disorder, is a term often used to describe a specific presentation of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) where hyperactivity is not a prominent symptom. While "ADD" is no longer a standalone clinical diagnosis in modern medicine, it remains a common term for "Inattentive Type ADHD," or what is frequently called "Quiet ADHD."
It is estimated that ADHD affects 2% to 5% of adults, with the inattentive type (ADD) accounting for 30% to 50% of that population. Unlike the more visible hyperactive type, symptoms of ADD include:
Difficulty maintaining focus on singular tasks
Being easily distracted by external stimuli
A lack of organizational and planning skills
Frequently forgetting appointments or daily responsibilities
Because these patients do not exhibit physical restlessness, they are often misunderstood as being "dazed" or "lazy," when in reality, they are struggling with a neurodevelopmental lack of executive function.
The Legal Status of Adderall in Korea
The medication mentioned by Park Bom, Adderall, is currently unapproved for use in South Korea. Its primary ingredient, amphetamine, is classified as a controlled psychoactive substance under the Narcotics Control Act. Consequently, it is illegal for individuals to import the medication from abroad, even if they hold a valid foreign prescription.
In the United States, however, the FDA officially approves Adderall for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. The drug works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Since ADHD patients often have underactive neurotransmitter systems, the medication can be highly effective in improving focus. However, due to its potential for stimulation and chemical dependence, it remains strictly regulated.
In South Korea, medical professionals primarily use methylphenidate-based medications as the standard treatment for ADHD instead of amphetamine-based options. These domestic alternatives provide similar therapeutic benefits while adhering to local pharmaceutical regulations.
