Comedian Lee Kyung-kyu drove after taking medication for panic disorder and is under police investigation for drug driving; meanwhile, footage from a CCTV camera capturing the situation has been released, causing a stir. In response, the agency expressed its apologies again.

On the 26th, Lee Kyung-kyu's agency bowed their heads and said, "We sincerely apologize once again for causing concern to fans and many others regarding recent media reports."

They noted, "Lee Kyung-kyu is cooperating sincerely with the police investigation and has stated the facts regarding his health condition and the circumstances of driving. He is also deeply reflecting on causing concern due to his negligence and takes to heart that he should not drive when his health is not good, regardless of whether he has taken prescription medication."

Furthermore, Lee Kyung-kyu acknowledged, "On the day of the incident, he was taking his usual medication for panic disorder and cold symptoms and was in transit for a hospital appointment; however, he recognizes that it was a matter requiring more caution," adding, "Lee Kyung-kyu is deeply reflecting on his commitment to being cautious about driving after taking medication to ensure such an incident does not happen again."

The agency also added, "We promise to be more careful and responsible in the future."

Earlier, on the 24th, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul summoned Lee Kyung-kyu as a suspect for violating the Road Traffic Act, and the investigation lasted about 1 hour and 45 minutes. While public opinion was mixed regarding the police summons, on the 25th, MBN released CCTV footage of Lee Kyung-kyu's accident. The released video shows that Lee Kyung-kyu parked his vehicle in an alley in Gangnam District on the 8th and walked on the road instead of the sidewalk, leading to a minor collision with a bus that was stopped in front when he parked the vehicle.

Immediately after the accident, Lee Kyung-kyu moved his vehicle to another location, visited a hospital, and after receiving treatment, returned home by boarding another vehicle from a different parking lot that was not where he had parked. Consequently, the police dispatched to the scene after receiving a report of suspected vehicle theft conducted a drug test on Lee Kyung-kyu, which also showed a positive result in a detailed examination.

Eventually, the police have formally charged Lee Kyung-kyu and conducted a summons investigation. After the investigation, Lee Kyung-kyu stated, "I did not properly recognize that I should not drive after taking medication for panic disorder. I felt again that if there are components in the medication I am taking that could affect driving, I should refrain from driving. I will be careful in the future," and bowed his head, adding, "I sincerely apologize to the fans who have believed in and supported me for a long time for making them disappointed."

Lee Kyung-kyu's lawyer expressed through a statement, "Lee Kyung-kyu has been suffering from panic disorder for 10 years and took prescription medication the day before the incident. However, his condition worsened that day, leading him to drive directly to the hospital. Ultimately, he acknowledges that it was undeniable negligence and feels responsible for it."

The police are planning to decide on the course of action after analyzing Lee Kyung-kyu's statements and the CCTV and black box footage. Regarding the allegations of drug driving against Lee Kyung-kyu, prior to the release of the CCTV footage, most public opinion was supportive, saying, "I believe Lee Kyung-kyu" and questioning, "Is it a problem to take prescribed medication?" However, after seeing Lee Kyung-kyu in the released CCTV footage and the collision, netizens have reacted, stating, "I did not know it was so frightening to drive after taking prescription medication" and "If it's genuinely dangerous, you should not drive."

[Photo] OSEN DB

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