Broadcast personality Lee Jin-ho, who was caught driving under the influence, has admitted to the charges, and it has been revealed that his blood alcohol concentration was higher than previously known, at 0.12%.
According to News1 on the 2nd, the Yangpyeong Police in Gyeonggi Province plans to send Lee Jin-ho, who is facing charges of violating the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving), to the prosecution soon.
Lee Jin-ho is accused of driving approximately 100 km from Incheon to his residence in Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, while under the influence of alcohol in the early hours of the 24th of last month.
The police, who received a report of drunk driving, apprehended him in Yangpyeong around 3 AM after conducting a regional joint investigation that day.
At the time of his arrest, Lee Jin-ho's blood alcohol concentration was recorded at 0.11%, which is the threshold for license suspension. Following Lee Jin-ho's request, a blood test was conducted, and the National Forensic Service reported on the 26th of last month that the level was 0.12%. According to the police, blood tests generally show a higher blood alcohol concentration than breath tests.
Lee Jin-ho reportedly admitted to the charges during the first police investigation but is said to not provide specific statements regarding the motives behind his actions.
His agency, SM C&C, stated, “After confirming with Lee Jin-ho, he admitted to driving under the influence early this morning.”
They added, “Lee Jin-ho believes it is his fault without any excuses and is deeply reflecting on his actions,” and “the agency also feels responsible and will faithfully carry out any disciplinary actions and accept legal consequences.”
Lee Jin-ho debuted as a comedian through SBS's 7th special recruitment in 2005 and stepped down from shows like JTBC's 'Knowing Bros' last October after being revealed for habitual illegal gambling. It is reported that he borrowed over 2 billion won from loan companies and fellow entertainers to fund his illegal gambling activities.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
