Comedian Lee Kyung-kyu Addresses Drug Driving Allegations

Comedian Lee Kyung-kyu has taken a proactive stance in addressing allegations of drug driving. He revealed that he has been taking medication for panic disorder for over ten years and has completed a police investigation regarding the matter. However, authorities reiterated the regulations surrounding drug driving.

On June 9, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul reported that Lee Kyung-kyu was under investigation for violating traffic laws. It is alleged that he drove after taking medication, leading to his detection by the police.

On June 8, Lee was seen driving a vehicle identical to his own at an indoor golf practice facility in Gangnam, Seoul. The actual owner of the vehicle had reported it as suspiciously stolen, but police determined that a parking attendant had mistakenly confused the cars and misdirected Lee.

During the police investigation, Lee tested negative for alcohol but reportedly showed a positive result for drugs in a preliminary test, which sparked the controversy surrounding drug driving.

As the situation escalated, Lee actively sought to clarify the issue. In an interview, he explained, "The positive drug test result was due to the panic disorder medication and cold medicine I am taking."

He further elaborated, "There are components in the panic disorder medication that can yield a positive result. I have not consumed alcohol or any illegal drugs." Lee also clarified that the vehicle mix-up was a mistake by the parking attendant.

Lee has previously disclosed his struggles with panic disorder multiple times. In 2012, he revealed on KBS 2TV's variety show Happy Sunday - Men's Qualification that he had been diagnosed with the condition, stating, "I have been on medication for about four months. I feel like I might die, so I often pinch myself."

He shared his feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and chest pain, expressing that he had kept these struggles to himself to avoid affecting the show. However, he noted that the medication has significantly improved his condition.

In a 2013 variety show, he mentioned, "I have been taking panic disorder medication for two years, and if I miss even a day, I experience panic attacks. But I never skip meals."

Despite Lee's efforts to clarify the drug driving allegations by attributing them to his medication, the police have stated they will continue their investigation. A police representative mentioned in a regular briefing on June 9, "Even if the medication is prescribed, driving under its influence can still pose risks, according to traffic laws. We plan to verify Lee's claims based on CCTV footage and testimonies from relevant parties."

As Lee Kyung-kyu continues to battle panic disorder for the past 14 years, many are watching closely to see if his clarifications will resolve the drug driving allegations without further controversy.