Lee Kyunggyu's Agency Issues "Deep Apology Once Again" Over Drug Driving Controversy

"We Will Continue to Act with Caution and Responsibility"

The representatives of comedian Lee Kyunggyu have issued an apology regarding his recent police investigation on suspicion of drug driving.

On June 26, Lee's agency, ADG Company, released an official statement on social media, saying, "We sincerely apologize once again for causing concern to many people, including fans, in connection with recent media reports."

The statement continued, "Lee Kyunggyu has been fully cooperative with the police investigation and has provided an honest account of his health condition at the time and the circumstances of his driving. He deeply regrets causing concern due to his own carelessness and has taken seriously the fact that one should not drive in poor health, regardless of whether prescribed medication was taken."

Comedian Lee Kyunggyu stands in front of reporters after completing an investigation related to drug driving charges at Gangnam Police Station in Seoul on the 24th. Lee is accused of driving under the influence of drugs in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, around 2 p.m. on the 8th. Photo by Yonhap News

The agency added, "On the day of the incident, Lee had taken his usual medication for panic disorder as well as medicine for cold symptoms, and the situation occurred while he was traveling to a hospital for treatment. However, we acknowledge that this was a matter that required greater caution." They emphasized, "Lee Kyunggyu is deeply reflecting on the incident and has pledged to be more cautious about driving after taking medication to ensure that this does not happen again. We promise that he will act with greater care and responsibility in the future."

Previously, Lee was accused of driving under the influence of drugs in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, around 2 p.m. on the 8th. At that time, due to a parking attendant's mistake, he drove a car identical in model to his own, which belonged to someone else, and was reported on suspicion of theft. He subsequently tested positive in a field drug test administered by responding police officers. The National Forensic Service also confirmed a positive result, and the police changed Lee's status from being under a preliminary investigation to that of a suspect.

Article 45 of the Road Traffic Act prohibits driving in a state where one cannot operate a vehicle properly due to the influence of drugs. Even if the medication is prescribed, one can be charged with drug driving if impaired concentration or cognitive ability makes safe driving difficult.