Comedian Lee Kyung-kyu, 65, has been referred to the prosecution on charges of driving after taking drugs.
The Gangnam Police Station in Seoul announced on the 2nd that Lee was sent to the prosecution without detention on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act.
Lee is suspected of driving under the influence of a prescribed medication at around 2:05 p.m. on the 8th of last month in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam District.
At that time, Lee was driving another person's vehicle of the same type and color, and the police, who were dispatched after receiving a report of vehicle theft, found Lee at the scene. The police then conducted a drug screening test on Lee, which returned a positive result.
Subsequently, a drug test by the National Forensic Service also returned a positive result. The police reported that they summoned Lee as a suspect on the 24th of last month for questioning.
After finishing the questioning, Lee told reporters, "I did not realize that I shouldn't drive after taking medication for panic disorder," adding, "If there are such types of medications among the ones I am taking, it might be better to refrain from driving. I will be careful in the future."
Article 45 of the Road Traffic Act prohibits driving in a state where normal driving is difficult due to drugs, including psychotropic substances. Even if prescribed medication is taken, driving is not allowed when concentration and cognitive ability are impaired, making normal driving difficult.