Lee Kyung-kyu, a broadcaster who is under police investigation for allegedly driving under the influence of drugs (violation of the Road Traffic Act), appeared for questioning and acknowledged his carelessness.
On the 24th, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul summoned Lee Kyung-kyu, who is facing allegations of violating the Road Traffic Act, and conducted an investigation for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. After the investigation, Lee Kyung-kyu stated in front of reporters, “I did not realize that I should not drive when I was taking medication for panic disorder and feeling unwell,” and added, “The National Forensic Service found no traces of drugs or marijuana; only the usual medications I take were present.”
Lee Kyung-kyu's legal representative read a statement on his behalf, saying, “Looking back, it was an inexcusable carelessness to hold the steering wheel when my body was not in good condition,” and “I will take better care of my body and mind and be more cautious with my words and actions in the future.” Article 45 of the Road Traffic Act prohibits driving in a state where there is a concern that one cannot drive normally due to the influence of drugs. Even if the medication is prescribed, if it impairs concentration and cognitive ability, driving under such conditions can lead to drug driving charges.
Additionally, Lee Kyung-kyu explained the situation at the time, saying, “I was holding my car keys, and the car door was open. The keys to the vehicle I was driving were also inside the car, which is why the engine started,” attributing the incident to a simple mistake by the parking management staff. He bowed his head and apologized, saying, “I am sorry for disappointing the fans who have believed in and supported me for a long time.”
Previously, Lee Kyung-kyu was accused of driving under the influence of drugs around 2 PM on the 8th in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam. He was reported for suspected theft while driving someone else's car of the same model. Investigations revealed that the parking management staff mistakenly relayed the vehicle information.
Furthermore, a preliminary drug test conducted by the police at the time of the incident returned a positive result. Subsequently, the National Forensic Service also confirmed the positive result, leading to his status as a suspect.
In response, his agency, ADG Company, explained, “Lee Kyung-kyu has been suffering from panic disorder for about 10 years and has been receiving consistent treatment under a specialist's prescription.” They continued, “The night before the incident, he experienced sudden symptoms and took his prescribed medication, but his condition worsened, and he drove himself to the hospital the next day despite not feeling well,” emphasizing that “all the medications he took were legally prescribed after a specialist's diagnosis, and he presented the medication bag to the police on the day of the incident and explained it sincerely.”
The police will determine the course of action based on Lee Kyung-kyu's statements.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
