Lee Kyung-kyu Apologizes After Being Investigated for Drug-Test Driving Incident
On June 24, Yonhap News reported that Lee Kyung-kyu was questioned by Seoul’s Gangnam Police for approximately 90 minutes regarding suspicions of violating the Road Traffic Act. The inquiry focused on the medication he had taken prior to driving and whether he was fit to operate a vehicle.
Speaking to reporters after his questioning, Lee admitted, “I didn’t realize that I shouldn’t be driving after taking medication for my panic disorder when I wasn’t feeling well.” He emphasized that the National Forensic Service had found no illegal drugs or marijuana in his system—only his regular prescription medications. His legal representative issued a formal apology on his behalf, stating, “Getting behind the wheel while I wasn’t in good physical condition was an inexcusable act of carelessness. I will now take better care of my health and be more cautious with my actions and words.”
The incident occurred on June 9, when Lee mistakenly drove off with a vehicle nearly identical to his own from a parking lot at a golf facility in Gangnam, Seoul. The car’s actual owner reported the situation to the police as a potential theft.
It was later confirmed that the parking attendant had accidentally handed Lee the wrong keys. A breathalyzer test performed at the scene came back negative for alcohol, but a rapid drug test yielded a positive result for medication.
Lee’s agency, ADG Company, clarified that he has been receiving treatment for panic disorder for nearly a decade. According to the agency, Lee suffered a sudden episode the night before the incident and took his prescribed medication. Still feeling unwell the next morning, he attempted to drive himself to the hospital.
“All the medications were prescribed by a certified specialist, and Lee voluntarily presented the prescriptions to the police during the investigation,” the agency emphasized.
According to Article 45 of South Korea’s Road Traffic Act, driving under the influence of any substance that impairs cognitive function or concentration, including prescribed medication, may still be considered “driving under the influence of a stimulant” if the driver is unaware of the potential consequences.
Police stated that they will thoroughly analyze the testimony and related documents before determining the next course of action.
While some netizens expressed concern over the potential danger of driving while medicated, many praised Lee for his transparency and responsible handling of the situation. As one of Korea’s most enduring entertainers, Lee Kyung-kyu’s candid response and full cooperation with authorities may help him retain public trust as the case concludes.
On July 2, Seoul’s Gangnam Police Department confirmed that comedian Lee Kyung-kyu has been referred to the prosecution without detention on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act.
Born in 1960, Lee Kyung-kyu debuted as a comedian in 1981 but spent a decade in obscurity. His big break came in his 30s with MBC’s Sunday Night and the hit segment Hidden Camera, earning him top comedy awards and making him a household name in the 1990s.
Despite a failed film and burnout that led him to study in Japan, he returned in 2000 and remained active on TV. However, in 2008, he faced a major setback after being removed from Sunday Night and closing his business ventures. In his 50s, he made a quiet but steady comeback on KBS and SBS.
