Comedian Lee Kyung-kyu drove after taking medication for panic disorder and was investigated by the police on 'drug driving charges,' while several programs he grants have announced cancellations. However, the production team clarified that the cancellations are unrelated to Lee Kyung-kyu's issue.
According to the schedule on the 25th, Channel A's 'Find the Secret to Success-Boss Attack' (hereafter 'Boss Attack'), which was scheduled for the 28th, and TV Chosun's 'Modern Figure History-Mr. Lee,' which is scheduled to air on the 29th, will both be canceled.
In response, an MBN official told OSEN, 'The cancellation of 'Boss Attack' is unrelated to the Lee Kyung-kyu issue. The program is not a regular show; it is filmed whenever sponsored items come in. We are still in the planning phase for items, so the cancellation has nothing to do with the participant Lee Kyung-kyu.'
TV Chosun also stated, 'The broadcast time for 'Modern Figure History-Mr. Lee' has been changed to Tuesday at 10 p.m. starting in July, so there will be no broadcast this Sunday.' They emphasized that this is unrelated to the Lee Kyung-kyu issue.
Earlier, Lee Kyung-kyu was suspected of driving under the influence of drugs near a building in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 8th. At the time, he was directed to park a vehicle of the same model as his foreign car incorrectly by a parking management worker and realized that he had no personal belongings inside the vehicle while driving, prompting him to return to the building.
However, after a report from the vehicle owner, the police who were dispatched to the scene conducted alcohol and drug tests on Lee Kyung-kyu, which yielded a positive result for the drug test. The case then entered a formal investigation phase.
Lee Kyung-kyu claims he tested positive due to medication for panic disorder that he has been taking for over 10 years, but Article 45 of the Road Traffic Act strictly prohibits driving under the influence of drugs that impair normal driving ability. Even if it is a prescription drug, if it affects cognitive ability or concentration, and he did not realize it while driving, it could fall under 'drug driving.'
Accordingly, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul summoned Lee Kyung-kyu as a suspect of violating the Road Traffic Act on the 24th, and the investigation was conducted for about 1 hour and 45 minutes from 9 p.m.
After the investigation, Lee Kyung-kyu said, 'I did not properly recognize that I should not drive after taking medication for panic disorder. I felt again that if there are ingredients in the medication I am taking that could affect my driving, I should refrain from driving. I will also be careful in the future.' He added, 'I sincerely apologize to the fans who have believed in and supported me for a long time.'
Lee Kyung-kyu's attorney stated in a written position, 'Lee Kyung-kyu has suffered from panic disorder for 10 years and took prescribed medication on the day before the incident. However, his condition worsened on that day, leading him to drive directly to the hospital.' He emphasized, 'Ultimately, it was an unmistakable negligence, and he is feeling responsible.'
[Photo] OSEN DB, program poster
[OSEN]