Comedian Lee Kyung-kyu has been booked on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act, with public reactions surrounding him showing a divide. Some have expressed, “I cannot doubt the national MC whom I have believed in and supported for a long time,” while others are demanding a thorough investigation, stating, “We cannot make exceptions for celebrities.”
According to a report by MBN on the 24th, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station has formally booked Lee Kyung-kyu on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act and is currently conducting a summons investigation. The police maintain that “Even if the medication was prescribed properly, if it affects driving, it constitutes drug driving under the Road Traffic Act,” and they have requested a detailed drug analysis from the National Forensic Service.
This incident occurred on the 8th at a golf practice facility in Gangnam, Seoul. Due to a mistake by a parking attendant, Lee Kyung-kyu mistakenly drove a foreign vehicle identical to his own, and after realizing the error, he returned the vehicle. However, an investigation was initiated following a report from the actual vehicle owner. A preliminary drug test conducted at the scene yielded a positive result, and the incident transitioned from a simple mishap to a criminal investigation.
In response, Lee Kyung-kyu emphasized that there was no intentional drug use or driving under the influence, attributing the situation to the medication he is taking for his panic disorder and cold medicine. In fact, records confirm that he was prescribed cold medicine at a pharmacy within the building at the time of the incident, and his side has stated that “a misunderstanding occurred.”
Nevertheless, public opinion is split. On social media and online communities, supportive comments have been made, stating, “I believe in Lee Kyung-kyu. He has consistently maintained a good image for a long time,” while other voices are urging for a principled investigation without celebrity privileges, stating, “Regardless of whether it involved panic disorder medications or cold medicine, if it affected driving, he must also take responsibility for that.”
The police have stated that they will comprehensively consider CCTV footage, eyewitness testimonies, and the results of the drug composition analysis to determine Lee Kyung-kyu's ability to drive at the time.
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