One Of The Biggest Veteran Comedians Gets Booked For Drug-Impaired Driving, Summoned By Police For Questioning
Comedian Lee Kyung Kyu (65) has gotten in trouble over his driving.
On June 24, comedian Lee Kyung Kyu (65) was formally booked and summoned by police on suspicion of drug-impaired driving. During questioning, Lee admitted to the charges, stating that it was due to his negligence after taking medication for panic disorder before driving.
The Seoul Gangnam Police Station summoned Lee as a suspect for violating the Road Traffic Act and questioned him about the circumstances surrounding his medication use and the situation at the time of driving. The investigation began at 9 p.m. and lasted about 1 hour and 45 minutes, concluding at 10:45 p.m.
Lee is accused of driving under the influence of medication on June 8 around 2 p.m. in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu. At the time, he was reported for suspected car theft after driving a vehicle identical in make and model to his own. When the police arrived, a field drug test yielded a positive result. The National Forensic Service later confirmed the positive result, officially designating him as a suspect.
Speaking to reporters after the investigation, Lee said, “I wasn’t fully aware that I shouldn’t drive after taking panic disorder medication. I’d like to say that if you’re taking that kind of medication, it’s best to refrain from driving. I’ll also be more careful going forward.”
In a written statement read by his lawyer, it was revealed that Lee has been suffering from panic disorder for 10 years and had taken his prescribed medication the day before the incident. He explained that he drove himself to the hospital due to feeling unwell, acknowledging that it was “an inexcusable act of carelessness.”
Under Article 45 of the Road Traffic Act, it is illegal to drive under the influence of substances that impair normal driving ability. Even prescribed medications can fall under this category if they significantly affect focus or cognitive function.
Regarding the fact that he was driving someone else’s car, Lee explained, “I was holding my own car key in my hand, and the vehicle door was open. The car I drove also had its key inside, so the engine started. It was a simple mistake by the parking attendant.”
He added, “I sincerely apologize to the fans who have trusted and supported me for so long.”
The police will review Lee’s statements and determine the appropriate course of action.
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