Comedian Lee Jin-ho, who was staying out of the public eye over allegations of illegal gambling, was caught driving under the influence today (24th), effectively ending any chance of a comeback.
On the 24th, his agency SM C&C acknowledged Lee Jin-ho's drunk driving in an official statement and apologized, saying, "We are deeply sorry and remorseful to deliver an official statement due to this regrettable incident."
Previously, one outlet reported that the Yangpyeong Police Station in Gyeonggi had apprehended and questioned Lee after he allegedly drove under the influence from Incheon to Yangpyeong County in Gyeonggi at around 3 a.m. today. According to the report, police received a tip that "Lee Jin-ho was driving under the influence in Incheon," and after a cooperative investigation across regions, he was arrested in Yangpyeong.
Investigators found that Lee Jin-ho got behind the wheel at a level that would result in license cancellation, but the police initially sent him home and plan to conduct additional questioning. A blood test to measure his blood alcohol concentration has been taken, and authorities are awaiting the results.
Regarding this, the agency said it confirmed with Lee Jin-ho himself that he did drive under the influence in the early hours of today (24th) and explained, "He completed the investigation requested by the local police station at the time of the incident and is awaiting disposition."
The agency added, "Lee Jin-ho considers this his fault without any excuses or justifications and is deeply reflecting. The agency also feels a strong sense of responsibility and will ensure that Lee Jin-ho faithfully complies with any disposition and receives legal measures," and bowed his head, saying, "We sincerely apologize once again for causing concern."
The problem is that Lee Jin-ho is currently staying out of the public eye while under investigation for illegal gambling. Last October, Lee Jin-ho admitted to illegal gambling on his personal social media. At that time, he said, "In 2020, by chance I started playing on an internet illegal gambling site and incurred debts I couldn't handle."
Lee Jin-ho confessed to illegal gambling, saying, "After stern advice from acquaintances and the fear that I might never be able to do the work I love again, I belatedly pulled myself together and was able to quit gambling, but I had already received financial help from many people," and added, "I have been steadily repaying money every month, and I intend to repay this debt entirely by my own means for the rest of my life."
According to police, Lee Jin-ho is accused of spending hundreds of millions of won on internet illegal gambling. In the process, the amount he borrowed from fellow entertainers and lending companies is reported to be about 2.3 billion won. In particular, it was reported with shock that among the fellow entertainers Lee borrowed money from were BTS Jimin, comedian Lee Sugeun, and singer Ha Sung-woon.
As a result, Lee Jin-ho left the variety show "Knowing Bros," where he was a regular cast member, and all content videos he had advertised were taken down. In April, he was also sent to the prosecution on charges of illegal gambling.
Some had responded that after serving his punishment and finishing his period of self-reflection, Lee Jin-ho might naturally return to the entertainment industry, but even before the illegal gambling trial began, the addition of drunk driving charges has led to growing reactions that his return to the entertainment industry is "practically canceled."
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]