Comedian Lee Jin-ho once again found himself at the center of controversy. After recently causing a stir for being caught driving under the influence, the shock deepened when it was later reported that his girlfriend, identified as A, was found dead.
On the 10th, according to the Bupyeong Police Station in Incheon, a friend discovered A dead at an apartment in Bupyeong District, Incheon, at about 8:30 a.m. on the 5th and called 112. The police said, "No signs of criminal suspicion were confirmed," adding, "Considering the family's position, it is difficult to disclose specific details."
A was reported to be the girlfriend of Lee Jin-ho, who was recently caught driving under the influence. Lee is accused of driving about 100 km from Incheon to Yangpyeong in Gyeonggi Province in the early hours of the 24th of last month while intoxicated. His blood alcohol concentration at the time was 0.11%, a level that results in license cancellation, and a subsequent blood test measured it higher at 0.12%.
The problem is that the person who reported this drunk driving incident was A. A media outlet reported this, and while the police maintained the official position that "the identity of the reporter cannot be revealed," it was later reported that the person expressed psychological burden.
When news of A's death spread, netizens responded with comments such as "No one should have to experience such a tragedy" and "I feel the need to protect reporters again," expressing sorrow.
Lee Jin-ho had been laying low for a while because of allegations of illegal gambling. Last year he admitted to illegal gambling himself, saying, "I took on debts that were hard to bear and received financial help from many people." But the period of self-reflection was short-lived, and he again faced public backlash over this drunk driving incident.
At the time, his agency, SM C&C, said, "After confirming with Lee Jin-ho himself, it is true that he drove under the influence in the early morning of Sept. 24," adding, "He accepts his wrongdoing without excuse and is deeply reflecting. The agency also feels responsible and will ensure that Lee Jin-ho faithfully carries out any penalties and faces legal measures." Nevertheless, despite repeated controversies, Lee Jin-ho's actions have not escaped criticism.
The police are currently investigating the circumstances of A's death, and Lee Jin-ho's side has not issued a separate statement.
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[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]