Comedian Lee Jin-ho, who had been keeping a low profile amid controversies over illegal gambling and drunk driving, was reported to be in the intensive care unit after collapsing from an acute cerebral hemorrhage, and claims have emerged that his family is scrambling over unpaid national health insurance premiums.
The fact that Lee Jin-ho was hospitalized for a cerebral hemorrhage was first reported on the 9th. At the time, his agency SM C&C told OSEN, "Lee Jin-ho was hospitalized on the afternoon of April 1 due to a sudden cerebral hemorrhage. He is currently regaining consciousness and is concentrating on treatment."
They added, "Because the artist's recovery is the top priority, we ask for warm support so he can devote himself to recovery," while remaining silent on specific health conditions or future treatment plans.
Lee Jin-ho debuted in 2005 as an SBS special recruitment comedian and was greatly loved as "Woong's father." While appearing on various entertainment programs and delivering cheerfulness, in 2024 he admitted to illegal gambling and it was revealed he had debts of several hundred million won. It became a bigger issue when it was revealed he had borrowed money from fellow entertainers and others.
While stepping down from all entertainment programs and keeping a low profile, Lee Jin-ho was caught driving about 100 km while heavily intoxicated and was referred to prosecutors on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act. At the time, his blood alcohol concentration was confirmed to be at the level for license cancellation. In addition, it was revealed that he had fallen behind on health insurance premiums of about 28 million won since April 2023.
Amid these circumstances, news of Lee Jin-ho's cerebral hemorrhage has prompted concern from many. Meanwhile, a YouTuber claimed about Lee Jin-ho's health, "Practically speaking, it has been confirmed that his condition is not good."
In particular, the YouTuber said that because Lee Jin-ho has fallen behind on national health insurance premiums, he is not receiving health insurance benefits during his intensive care treatment. The YouTuber said, "He has been in the intensive care unit for nine days and hospital bills are increasing. His older brother is trying to arrange funds, but they are in a difficult situation where they even lack the money to pay immediate hospital bills."
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]