Broadcaster Lee Kyung-kyu, who has come under scrutiny for driving after taking medication for panic disorder, has been referred to the prosecution.
The Gangnam Police Station in Seoul announced on the 2nd that they had sent Lee Kyung-kyu to the prosecution without detention after confirming the facts of the charges against him for driving under the influence of drugs.
On the 8th of last month, Lee Kyung-kyu mistakenly drove another person's vehicle of the same model out of a parking lot in Gangnam, Seoul, and was reported for suspected vehicle theft. Subsequently, a preliminary drug test conducted by the responding police confirmed a positive reaction, leading to charges of violating the Road Traffic Act. As a result, Lee Kyung-kyu was classified as a suspect and submitted the panic disorder medication he has been taking for the past 10 years to clarify the situation.
Article 45 of the current Road Traffic Act prohibits driving under the influence of drugs that impair normal driving, including narcotics, cannabis, and psychotropic substances.
The police have been investigating Lee Kyung-kyu's charges based on surrounding CCTV footage, witness statements, the results from the National Forensic Service, and the content of the suspect's interrogation.
Prior to this, Lee Kyung-kyu appeared at the Gangnam Police Station on the 24th and was questioned for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. He stated in front of reporters, “I did not realize that I should not drive when I was feeling unwell after taking medication for panic disorder,” and added, “I will refrain from driving in the future if I take similar medication,” bowing his head in apology.
Regarding the positive reaction from the National Forensic Service test, he explained, “There were no narcotic substances or cannabis, and the components of the medication I usually take were detected as they are.”
His agency, ADG Company, stated, “Lee Kyung-kyu has been sincere in the police investigation and has testified about his health condition and the circumstances of driving as they are,” and added, “Lee Kyung-kyu deeply reflects on this incident and will be more cautious about driving after taking medication in the future.”
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
