"Retire" vs "Avoid hasty judgments"… The controversy surrounding comedian Lee Kyung-kyu’s drug driving escalates after the CCTV release

The controversy surrounding comedian Lee Kyung-kyu, who is suspected of driving while taking medication for panic disorder, has spread even more heatedly since the release of the CCTV footage. Although he sincerely participated in the police investigation and expressed his intention to apologize, some internet users have shown disappointment, even mentioning Lee Kyung-kyu's retirement. On the other hand, there are also neutral voices cautioning against hasty judgments, noting that the investigation results have not yet been confirmed.

On the 26th, Lee Kyung-kyu's agency made an official statement, saying, "We deeply apologize once again for causing concern to fans and many others regarding recent media reports," and bowed their heads. They continued, “We have stated the facts regarding his health status and the circumstances of driving at that time, and he is deeply reflecting on his negligence. Regardless of whether medication was taken, he is taking seriously the fact that he drove while in poor health.”

Earlier, on the 24th, Lee Kyung-kyu attended the police station on suspicion of violating the Road Traffic Act and was investigated for about 1 hour and 45 minutes. On the 25th, CCTV footage released by MBN captured Lee Kyung-kyu causing a contact accident with a bus while stopping a vehicle in an alley in Gangnam, Seoul, and later returning home in another vehicle after finishing a hospital visit. A bus driver who witnessed this incident reported it, leading to Lee Kyung-kyu being apprehended at the scene, and a preliminary drug test showed a positive result, which was confirmed by a subsequent detailed test. As a result, Lee Kyung-kyu was registered as a suspect.

As the controversy grows, Lee Kyung-kyu directly stated, "I did not adequately recognize that driving after taking medication for panic disorder is dangerous. I will be careful to ensure this does not happen again. I sincerely apologize to my fans." His attorney also stated, "Lee Kyung-kyu has suffered from panic disorder for over 10 years, and on the day of the incident, his condition worsened, leading him to visit the hospital. Ultimately, it was negligence, and he feels responsible."

Public opinion is divided. On one side, those shocked by the released footage express, "Even if it's prescription medication, isn't it wrong to drive looking that disheveled?"; "It's dangerous from the driver's perspective"; "I respected him until now, but I'm disappointed"; "Isn't it time for him to retire?"

On the other hand, there are voices defending Lee Kyung-kyu, stating, "Accidents caused by prescription medication involve complex legal issues,"; "He hasn't even been formally indicted yet"; "There wasn't an actual serious accident, so mentioning retirement now is excessive."

Given the circumstances, a neutral stance is necessary. Some say, "Emotional reactions should be avoided in a situation where the circumstances and intent of the accident have not been clearly established," and there is an increasing neutral position advocating for waiting on accurate investigation results. It is pointed out that it is still premature to define the entire career of an individual based on simple social condemnation.

Currently, the police plan to make a decision on future measures regarding Lee Kyung-kyu after comprehensively analyzing CCTV footage, black box recordings, and testimonies. Disappointment and reflection, and the public's perspective standing at that boundary. Voices stating that what is needed is a calmer observation rather than a hasty stigma are also emerging.

[Photo] OSEN DB

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