Comedian Lee Jinho Referred to Prosecution for Drunk Driving 100km from Incheon to Yangpyeong

Yangpyeong Police in Gyeonggi Province Refer Case to Yeoju Branch of Suwon District Prosecutors' Office

Comedian Lee Jinho (39) has been referred to the prosecution on charges of drunk driving.

The Yangpyeong Police Station in Gyeonggi Province announced on October 15 that Lee Jinho, who was booked without detention for violating the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving), was sent to the Yeoju Branch of the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office the previous day.

According to the police, Lee Jinho is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol for approximately 100 kilometers from Incheon to his home in Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province, in the early morning hours of September 24.

After receiving a report, the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency requested cooperation from the Yangpyeong Police Station. The Yangpyeong police traced the vehicle's route and apprehended Lee Jinho at around 3:23 a.m. on the same day.

Comedian Lee Jinho. Yonhap News

At the time, a breathalyzer test showed Lee Jinho's blood alcohol concentration was 0.11%, which is high enough for license revocation. A blood test was then conducted at his request, and the National Forensic Service analysis revealed a level of 0.12%.

His agency, SM C&C, stated, "Lee Jinho fully acknowledges his wrongdoing without making any excuses and is deeply remorseful," adding, "He feels a strong sense of responsibility and will faithfully comply with the legal procedures."

Lee Jinho is also under investigation for illegal gambling. In October last year, he admitted to illegal gambling on social media and posted a handwritten letter of apology. It is reported that he borrowed more than 2 billion won from loan companies and fellow entertainers during the gambling process.

Born in 1986, Lee Jinho debuted as a 7th generation comedian through SBS in 2005 and gained popularity with his "Woongi's Father" character. He later appeared on tvN's "Comedy Big League" and JTBC's "Knowing Bros," but has stepped down from broadcasting and is on hiatus following the illegal gambling controversy.