Lee Kyung Kyu is facing a police investigation over alleged drugged driving.
The famous comedian took a breathalyzer test that came back negative. But a rapid drug test reportedly showed positive.
He denied the claims, saying the medication was prescribed for his panic disorder and that he showed the prescription to authorities.
“I had the flu on the 8th and visited a hospital. It’s also not true that I went to an indoor golf range. I took a urine test and a single line showed up. Because it’s a sensitive medication, I always carry my prescription for panic disorder with me. I showed them the prescription and went home. How could you possibly say someone who’s ill to have been ‘under the influence of drugs’?”
— Lee Kyung Kyu
The police have said he could still be in violation of the law even if the drug was prescribed.
“We are currently in the pre-indictment investigation stage. He claims that he took medication prescribed by the hospital, so we are going to look into it.
There are regulations on drugged driving under the Road Traffic Act that state that even if it’s medication that was prescribed normally, you must not drive if there is a risk that you won’t be able to drive due to the effects of the medication.”
— National Police Agency National Investigation Headquarters
The law’s standard for drugged driving is whether a person is incapable of driving normally.
The investigation remains ongoing as police monitor Lee Kyung Kyu’s claims and evidence.