The broadcast personality Lee Kyung-kyu, known as a 'lend' in the entertainment industry and a living witness to it, has come forward to clarify allegations of drug driving. Having continued his broadcasting career for 44 years without any accidents, this clarification carries even more weight.
Recently, Lee Kyung-kyu was involved in an incident where, due to a mistake by a parking attendant at a golf practice range in Gangnam, Seoul, he ended up driving someone else's vehicle to his office. The owner of that vehicle reported it for suspected theft, prompting police to respond and conduct a field test on Lee Kyung-kyu, which revealed a positive result for drugs.
In response, Lee Kyung-kyu spoke directly in an interview with a media outlet. He explained, "The positive drug test in the police investigation was due to medication for my panic disorder and cold medicine." He continued, "I was told that some components of the panic disorder medication can show a positive result in tests," and clearly stated, "I did not drink alcohol or use illegal drugs."
He also addressed the vehicle mix-up by stating, "It was caused by the parking attendant confusing vehicles of the same type," adding that "due to the nature of being a celebrity, the situation seems to have been exaggerated, leading to misunderstandings."
The police are comprehensively reviewing CCTV footage, statements from witnesses, and Lee Kyung-kyu's medication history regarding the incident. A police official noted, "Even if the medication was prescribed normally, if it impaired driving, there could be a violation under the Road Traffic Act," while stating, "We are currently conducting a thorough investigation of the relevant details."
Lee Kyung-kyu is 64 years old this year, and has been evaluated as a 'no-accident celebrity' having debuted in 1981 through the KBS Comedy Contest without a single major controversy in his 44-year broadcasting career. Recently, he has honestly shared his health management routine through his YouTube channel 'God Kyung-kyu,' discussing health warning signs such as high blood pressure and high blood sugar with his viewers.
In particular, he recently appeared on KBS2's 'Problem Child in House,' leaving a memorable quote: "The person who pretends is the scariest," emphasizing the importance of a genuine life and attitude. As a result, public trust in his clarification is also relatively high. Netizens have commented, "It's already known that he was taking medication for health reasons," "I hope it wasn't intentional," and "I hope the truth comes out, as Lee Kyung-kyu, who has had 44 years without accidents."
Attention is focused on whether the trust Lee Kyung-kyu has built over the years can withstand this allegation, along with the police investigation results. It remains to be seen whether this incident will leave the first blemish on the long record of the 'lend' Lee Kyung-kyu or whether it will conclude as a mere incident. Given the length of time he has built public trust, a credible conclusion and clarification regarding the truth are now more important than ever.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]