Broadcaster Lee Gyeong-kyu is under police investigation for allegedly driving while under the influence of drugs. He explained that it was due to "treatment medication for panic disorder and cold medicine," but police are continuing the investigation, stating that if the prescribed medication had an effect on driving, it could be considered a violation of the Road Traffic Act.
On the 9th, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station stated, "We are investigating Lee Gyeong-kyu for drug driving under the Road Traffic Act." The police reported that Lee Gyeong-kyu was driving a foreign vehicle from an indoor golf practice facility in Gangnam, Seoul, to his company around 2 p.m. on the 8th. The issue is that the vehicle was not Lee Gyeong-kyu's own car, but rather another individual's vehicle of the same model. The vehicle owner immediately filed a report of suspected theft, and the police investigation revealed that the car had been switched due to a mistake by the parking attendant.
The vehicle mix-up incident was resolved as a simple misunderstanding, but the police conducted both breath and drug tests on Lee Gyeong-kyu, with a negative result for alcohol testing, while a rapid screening test indicated a positive for drugs. As a result, Lee Gyeong-kyu is being investigated for drug driving suspicion.
The Korean National Police Agency explained during its regular briefing that, "Even if the medication is prescribed normally, if there is a concern that it could impair normal driving ability, charges of drug driving under the Road Traffic Act could apply."
The police are currently closely verifying the circumstances of Lee Gyeong-kyu's drug use and his state at the time of driving based on CCTV footage and testimonies from relevant parties.
In response, Lee Gyeong-kyu directly explained to a media outlet. He stated, "The positive reaction was due to the medication I take for panic disorder and the components of cold medicine," emphasizing that he had not consumed any alcohol or taken illegal drugs.
He also explained regarding the vehicle mix-up that it was "a simple mistake by the parking attendant" and that, due to the nature of being a celebrity, even a small misunderstanding can be exaggerated and lead to misinterpretation.
The agency also denied the drug driving allegations, explaining that Lee Gyeong-kyu has been taking medication for panic disorder for over 10 years, and that psychotropic drugs were detected in the drug test. They reiterated that the vehicle mix-up was indeed an incident.
Meanwhile, attention is being drawn to how this incident will impact Lee Gyeong-kyu's future activities as he continues his active broadcasting career through various entertainment programs.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]