As broadcaster Lee Kyung-kyu clarified his situation regarding driving after taking medication, the police have announced their intention to conduct further investigations.
According to the police on the 9th, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul is currently investigating Lee Kyung-kyu, who was caught driving after taking drugs, for violations of the Road Traffic Act without detention.
A police official stated at a regular press briefing that "even if the medication is prescribed normally, there are regulations regarding drug driving in the Road Traffic Act that state one should not drive if there is a concern that they may be unable to do so due to its effects," adding, "We plan to verify Lee Kyung-kyu's claims of having taken prescribed medication based on CCTV footage and testimonies from related individuals."
It is reported that on the afternoon of the 8th, around 2:05 PM, Lee Kyung-kyu drove a vehicle identical to his own, belonging to another person, to his company from an indoor golf practice facility in Gangnam, Seoul.
During this process, the actual owner of the vehicle suspected theft and reported it, and the police determined that the parking management staff had mistakenly handed the vehicle over to Lee Kyung-kyu.
Afterward, the police conducted a breathalyzer test on Lee Kyung-kyu when he returned to the indoor golf practice facility, which resulted in a negative reading. However, it is reported that he tested positive for drugs in a preliminary drug test.
Lee Kyung-kyu's agency stated regarding the drug driving incident that it was a "happening" and provided clarification to the police. They explained, "The reason Lee Kyung-kyu tested positive in the preliminary drug test was not due to cold medicine but rather a component of the anxiety disorder medication he regularly takes," adding, "The police were convinced, and only a final investigation through the hospital is ongoing."
They also addressed reports of Lee Kyung-kyu visiting the golf practice facility, stating, "He only went to a pharmacy located in the same building as the golf practice facility because he was feeling under the weather."
Previously, Lee Kyung-kyu revealed through his YouTube channel that he experienced panic disorder while crossing Australia during his appearance on the KBS variety show 'Men's Qualification.'
He recalled, "I was running for 10 hours a day, and I couldn't see anything. There was anxiety that came from that," adding, "Suddenly, I started crying. I kept crying and collapsed in the car. I couldn't stand. From that moment on, I started feeling unwell. My chest felt tight, and I thought I was going to die."
He also mentioned that he has been taking related medication for 10 years.
Currently, Lee Kyung-kyu is hosting TV Chosun's 'Modern Historical Mystery' and Channel A's 'Find the Secret to Success: Boss Attack,' and he has been actively involved in broadcasting, recently being appointed as a promotional ambassador for the 120th anniversary of his alma mater, Dongguk University.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
