Comedian Lee Kyung-kyu has been transferred to the prosecution without detention on drug driving charges. His explanation that he did not know the anxiety disorder medication he has been taking for over 10 years would be a problem was not accepted.
On the 2nd, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul announced that they had sent Lee Kyung-kyu to the prosecution on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act.
Previously, Lee Kyung-kyu was accused of driving his vehicle while under the influence of prescribed medication in the Nonhyeon-dong area of Gangnam, Seoul, on the 8th of last month. In particular, he was caught by the police after a report of suspected theft while driving a vehicle of the same model and color as his own. A rapid drug test conducted at the scene came back positive.
During the police investigation, Lee Kyung-kyu explained that the anxiety disorder medication he has been taking for over 10 years had affected the test results. However, Article 45 of the current Road Traffic Act clearly prohibits driving in a condition that could impair cognition, judgment, and driving ability due to drug use. Particularly, even if the medication is a prescription drug for medical purposes, if it causes a condition that makes driving difficult, it is considered a violation of the Road Traffic Act.
The police summoned Lee Kyung-kyu as a suspect on the 24th of last month and conducted an investigation. Subsequently, Lee Kyung-kyu issued an official statement saying, "I did not properly recognize that I should not drive after taking anxiety disorder medication," and added, "I realized once again that if there are components in the medication I am taking that could affect my driving, I should refrain from driving. I will also be more careful in the future," expressing his apologies.
Lee Kyung-kyu's lawyer also stated in a press release, "Lee Kyung-kyu has suffered from anxiety disorder for 10 years and took prescription medication the day before the incident. However, on that day, his physical condition deteriorated rapidly, leading him to drive to go to the hospital," and added, "Ultimately, it was negligence, and we acknowledge the responsibility."
Considered a leading figure in the entertainment industry beyond the comedy scene, Lee Kyung-kyu appeared on tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' last year and smiled at Yoo Jae-suk's comment that he had never been involved in any controversy over his 44 years of activity since debut, stating, "I always pay attention. Even if I drink, I only drink near home and do not mingle with too many people. I do not crave for many things. If one is greedy for many things, accidents happen. I practice emptying myself."
Whether it was bad luck or ignorance of the law, Lee Kyung-kyu has unintentionally acquired the label of 'drug driver.' Attention is focused on how this case, which has been transferred to the prosecution, will unfold.
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