Dr. Oh Jin-seung from Doctor Friends expressed concerns about comedian Lee Kyung-kyu, who was caught driving under the influence of medication after taking panic disorder medication.
On the 25th, Oh Jin-seung opened up through personal social media, stating, "Recently, there has been significant media coverage regarding Mr. Lee Kyung-kyu being investigated by the police for violating the Road Traffic Act (driving under the influence of medication) after driving while taking prescribed medication for the treatment of panic disorder."
Oh Jin-seung supported Lee Kyung-kyu, saying, "It was reported that he drove a vehicle of the same model and color as his own due to a parking attendant's mistake... I believe that even if I weren't on panic disorder medication, I could have mistaken it for my own car and could have driven in that situation."
He continued, "When such incidents are reported widely in the media, it can spread social stigma and unnecessary misunderstandings about individuals taking psychiatric medications. The perception that 'taking psychiatric medications is always dangerous' can discourage individuals from seeking treatment in a society, like ours, where there are already high biases against psychiatry, leading to more individuals not receiving appropriate care."
Additionally, Oh Jin-seung expressed concerns through comments, stating, "Those who may not have read the article in detail might see only the headline and think that taking psychiatric medication could lead to confusion regarding their own vehicle and cause significant issues... I believe this may create another bias."
Moreover, when a netizen asked, "Is it true that one should not drive at all after taking panic disorder medication? As a patient, I am somewhat curious," Oh Jin-seung responded, "Generally, there are no major issues. However, I explain that those who may occasionally experience severe drowsiness should avoid driving or using complex machinery after taking medication."
Furthermore, he stated, "I believe that not receiving treatment and having a panic attack while driving can actually increase the risk of an accident."
Meanwhile, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul summoned Lee Kyung-kyu on the 24th as a suspect for violating the Road Traffic Act and conducted an investigation for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, starting at 9 p.m.
After the investigation, Lee Kyung-kyu said, "I did not fully recognize the fact that I shouldn't drive after taking panic disorder medication. I felt again that if there are components in the medication I am taking that could affect driving, I should refrain from driving. I, too, will be more cautious in the future," and bowed his head, apologizing, "I sincerely apologize to my fans who have supported and believed in me for a long time."
Lee Kyung-kyu's lawyer stated through a prepared statement, "Lee Kyung-kyu has been suffering from panic disorder for 10 years and took prescribed medication the day before the incident. However, due to a deterioration in his condition that day, he drove directly to the hospital. Ultimately, it was an act of negligence with no excuses, and he is feeling the weight of the responsibility."
[Photo] OSEN DB, SNS
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