Booked Without Detention Again During 'Illegal Gambling' Self-Reflection
Blood Alcohol Level at 0.11%... "Deeply Reflecting"
Comedian Lee Jinho (39), who is currently under investigation for illegal gambling, has once again been apprehended by the police, this time on charges of drunk driving while heavily intoxicated.
Arrested After Early Morning Joint Police Operation
According to entertainment media outlet Dispatch on September 25, Lee Jinho reportedly drank alcohol with an acquaintance in Incheon on the morning of September 24, got into an argument, and then drove under the influence.
The police, after receiving a report about Lee Jinho's drunk driving, conducted a coordinated investigation across regions and apprehended him in Yangpyeong around 3 a.m. At the time of his arrest, his blood alcohol concentration was measured at 0.11%, a level that warrants license revocation.
On the same day, his agency SM C&C stated, "We sincerely apologize for having to address this regrettable incident. According to Lee Jinho, he drove under the influence early this morning. He has completed the investigation required by the local police at the time of the incident and is currently awaiting the outcome."
The agency continued, "Lee Jinho fully acknowledges his wrongdoing without any excuses or justifications and is deeply remorseful. The agency also takes responsibility and will ensure that Lee Jinho faithfully complies with all legal measures and consequences. We sincerely apologize once again for causing concern."
Drunk Driving Incident After One Year of Self-Reflection for 'Illegal Gambling'
In October of last year, Lee Jinho confessed on his social media that "in 2020, by chance, I started playing games on an illegal online gambling site and ended up with debts I could not handle," revealing that he borrowed money from colleagues during this process.
The amount Lee Jinho borrowed from acquaintances, including celebrities, for illegal gambling exceeded 1 billion won (approximately 760,000 USD), and when including private loans, the total reached 2.3 billion won (approximately 1.75 million USD). During this process, it was revealed that Jimin, a member of BTS, lent him 100 million won, and comedian Lee Soogeun and singer Youngtak were also reported to have suffered losses.
Lee Jinho, who debuted in 2005 as a specially recruited comedian at SBS, gained widespread popularity by appearing on popular programs such as JTBC's "Knowing Bros" and tvN's "Comedy Big League." However, after being investigated by the police last year on illegal gambling charges, he has suspended all broadcasting activities.
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