Jinho Lee Appears Before Police as Suspect in Illegal Gambling Case: "I'm Sorry"

Comedian Jinho Lee (38), who has admitted to illegal gambling, appeared before the police as a suspect.

Jinho Lee is appearing at the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

On the afternoon of the 22nd, Lee arrived at the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul and said, "I'm sorry." When asked by reporters if he had anything to say to his fellow entertainers, he replied, "I will cooperate fully with the investigation."

The police have launched an investigation into Lee's alleged habitual gambling and fraud, following a petition filed by a citizen through the National Petition Portal. The petitioner stated, "As a well-known public figure, Lee's every action has a significant social impact. Numerous celebrities and sports stars have already been implicated in illegal gambling, deeply disappointing the public, yet the controversy continues. I urge the police to thoroughly investigate Lee's alleged habitual gambling and fraud so that lawbreakers no longer dominate the popular culture and arts industry. I also call for strict punishment for those who operated illegal gambling sites on charges such as running a gambling establishment."

On October 14, Lee posted on social media, "In 2020, I started playing games on an illegal online gambling site by chance and ended up with debts I couldn't handle. I have since quit gambling and am repaying the money I borrowed from acquaintances. I will sincerely cooperate with the police investigation and take responsibility for my wrongdoing."

Jinho Lee debuted as a comedian through a special recruitment by SBS in 2005, and gained recognition by appearing in public comedy shows such as SBS's 'Utchatsa,' MBC's 'Hattangsa,' tvN's 'Comedy Big League,' and variety programs including JTBC's 'Knowing Bros.'