Comedian Lee Kyung-kyu is facing controversy after it was revealed that he was involved in a minor traffic accident while driving after taking medication for panic disorder.
On the 30th, Park Hyun-soo, acting chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, noted at a regular press briefing, "Evidence including video footage, witness statements, and forensic results related to Mr. Lee Kyung-kyu's investigation have been secured," and added, "We plan to draw a final conclusion based on all of this information."
Previously released CCTV footage reportedly shows Lee Kyung-kyu stumbling out of the driver's seat and walking unsteadily in the roadway, as well as a minor collision with a bus while parking. Such circumstances have raised concerns beyond mere medication use, regarding his state at the time of the accident.
In this regard, Lee Kyung-kyu's agency stated, "Mr. Lee has cooperated sincerely with the police investigation and has testified truthfully about his health condition and driving circumstances at the time," adding, "He deeply reflects on causing controversy due to his negligence, and he is taking seriously the fact that he was driving while in poor health, irrespective of his medication use."
They continued, "On the day of the accident, Mr. Lee was under the influence of his regular panic disorder medication and cold medicine while on his way to a hospital appointment," and reiterated, "He intends to act more cautiously after taking medication in the future."
Earlier, Lee Kyung-kyu was summoned by the police on the 24th as a suspect in violation of the Road Traffic Act and was investigated for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Subsequently, on the 25th, CCTV footage showing the incident was released, causing the fallout to increase.
According to the footage, on the 8th, Lee Kyung-kyu parked his vehicle on an alley in Gangnam District, Seoul, then staggered as he walked into the road and lightly collided with a bus that had been stopped in front of him. After parking again, he received medical treatment at a hospital, and during his return home, he was spotted attempting to enter another person's vehicle, leading to a theft suspicion report.
In response, the police conducted a preliminary drug test on Lee Kyung-kyu, and the results of the subsequent detailed test confirmed a positive reaction, leading to the initiation of legal proceedings.
After the investigation, Lee Kyung-kyu said, "I did not fully recognize that driving after taking medication for panic disorder was inappropriate," adding, "I felt once again that if the medication I am taking could affect my driving, I must refrain from driving. I will be more careful in the future."
Lee Kyung-kyu's attorney released a statement on his behalf, stating, "Mr. Lee has suffered from panic disorder for 10 years and took prescribed medication the day before the incident. However, he drove to go to the hospital on that day because he was not feeling well," adding, "Ultimately, it was a careless act for which he feels no justification, and he takes full responsibility for it."
The police plan to decide on the final disposition of the case soon based on Lee Kyung-kyu's testimony and all evidence collected.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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