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 for driving under the influence while heavily intoxicated. Reports have emerged that it was his girlfriend who reported him to the authorities.
Girlfriend Filed the Report Herself... Arrested After Early Morning Joint Police Operation
On September 25, entertainment media outlet Dispatch reported, "On the morning of the 24th, Lee Jinho had a drinking session with his girlfriend, identified as Ms. A, in Incheon, during which they got into an argument." The report continued, "Afterwards, he drove about 100 kilometers to his home in Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province, and Ms. A reported him to the police."
Upon receiving the report of Lee Jinho's drunk driving, the police conducted a joint investigation across jurisdictions and apprehended him in Yangpyeong around 3 a.m. It was found that his blood alcohol concentration at the time of arrest was 0.11%, which is above the threshold for license revocation.
On the same day, his agency SM C&C stated, "First, we are deeply sorry and apologize for having to address such an unfortunate matter. According to what we have confirmed with Lee Jinho, he did drive under the influence in the early hours of today. He has completed the investigation requested by the local police station at the time of apprehension and is currently awaiting the outcome."
The agency added, "Lee Jinho fully acknowledges his wrongdoing regarding this incident without any excuses or justifications and is deeply reflecting on his actions. The agency also feels a strong sense of responsibility and will ensure that Lee Jinho faithfully complies with any disciplinary measures and legal actions. Once again, we sincerely apologize for causing concern."
Drunk Driving Incident After One Year of Self-Reflection for Illegal Gambling
In October of last year, Lee Jinho revealed on his social media account, "In 2020, I started playing games on an illegal online gambling site by chance and ended up with debts I could not handle," admitting that he borrowed money from colleagues during this process.
The amount Lee Jinho borrowed from celebrities and acquaintances for illegal gambling exceeded 1 billion won (approximately 100 million KRW), and when including private loans and other sources, the total reached around 2.3 billion won (approximately 230 million KRW). During this process, it became known that BTS member Jimin lent him 100 million KRW, and comedian Lee Soogeun and singer Youngtak were also reported to have been affected.
Debuting as a special recruit comedian at SBS in 2005, Lee Jinho gained widespread popularity through appearances on hit shows such as JTBC's "Knowing Bros" and tvN's "Comedy Big League." However, after being investigated by the police for illegal gambling last year, he has suspended all broadcasting activities.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
