Kai Ko, the Taiwanese heartthrob arrested on drug charges with Jaycee Chain, martial arts star Jackie Chan's son, was released Friday. Their arrests were part of an ongoing, high-profile anti-drug crackdown by Beijing on the Chinese entertainment industry that has since netted several celebrities. 

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Looking exhausted and distraught, Ko held a news conference to issue a public apology after his release.  HIs parents also were present.

"I was wrong on this issue," Ko said. "I made a mistake. There is no excuse for it. I was wrong."

Ko continued: "I never realized that Kai Ko is more than just a name for myself. It also means a lot to those who support and love me. It was out of my expectations that anything concerning 'Kai Ko' could have such a big impact on others."

He ended by bowing with his parents and agent in a sign of respect and regret.

Ko, 23, and Chan, 31, were arrested on Aug. 14 at Chan's premises. Police said both actors tested positive for marijuana and admitted using the drug. About 100 grams (3.53 ounces) of the substance were taken from Chan's home. Ko received a detention of 14 days, the standard time for drug-user offenses in China. Chan, having distributed, faces a longer incarceration.

Born Ko Chen-tung, the Taiwanese actor rode to fame after his 2011 coming-of-age film "You Are the Apple of My Eye." The role won him a Best New Performer award at the Golden Horse film awards in Taiwan, considered the most prestigious in Chinese-language cinema.

Ironically, Ko is also star of "Tiny Times 3.0," a movie series hailed (and derided) as China's answer to "Sex and the City," for which whose glamorization of extravagance Ko is now under fire in his real life.

Chinese media reportedly has banned all entertainment Ko stars in, past and future.

TagsKai Ko, Jaycee Chan, marijuana, cannabis