Lee Kyung-kyu, a South Korean comedian born in 1960, has been referred to the prosecution on charges of driving under the influence of medication.
On the 2nd, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station reported that Lee was sent to the prosecution without detention for allegedly driving under the influence of prescribed medication, violating the Road Traffic Act.
Lee is accused of driving under the influence of medication on the afternoon of the 8th of last month in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
On the same day, it was reported that Lee mistakenly drove another person's vehicle of the same model as his foreign car from an indoor golf practice range in Gangnam-gu. The vehicle's owner reported a suspected theft, but police investigations revealed that the vehicle was mistakenly handed over due to a parking attendant's error.
During the investigation, police conducted a preliminary drug test and a detailed examination by the National Forensic Service, both of which returned positive results for medication. Consequently, Lee's status was changed to that of a suspect.
The police analyzed Lee's statements along with CCTV and black box recordings, which reportedly captured the vehicle Lee was driving involved in a minor collision.
Lee appeared for police questioning on the 24th of last month, stating, "I was not fully aware that I should not drive after taking medication for panic disorder," denying the charges.
Lee's agency, ADG Company, also issued a statement on the 26th of last month, expressing deep regret for causing concern due to his negligence. They acknowledged the seriousness of driving in poor health, regardless of medication use, and promised to prevent recurrence. They explained that the incident occurred while Lee was moving for a hospital visit after taking his regular panic disorder medication along with cold medicine, admitting the need for more caution.
Reported by Sojung Lee, TenAsia forusojung@tenasia.co.kr