Comedian Lee Kyung-kyu, a well-known figure in South Korea's entertainment scene, is currently under police investigation for allegedly driving under the influence of medication. The Seoul Gangnam Police Station confirmed on June 9, 2025, that they are conducting an internal inquiry into Lee for a possible violation of the Road Traffic Act.
The incident occurred on June 8 at approximately 2:05 PM at an indoor golf driving range located in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. According to police reports, Lee drove away in a vehicle that was not his own but was the same make and model as his personal car. This mix-up happened due to an error by a parking attendant, who mistakenly handed Lee the wrong vehicle.
The owner of the vehicle later reported it as stolen, prompting the police to respond swiftly. Upon locating Lee, the authorities conducted both a breathalyzer test and a simple drug screening. The breathalyzer test showed no presence of alcohol, but the drug screening returned a positive result for medication.
Lee Kyung-kyu has strongly denied any wrongdoing related to drug-impaired driving. In an interview with Munhwa Ilbo on June 9, he explained, "A line appeared during the urine test. It's a sensitive medicine, and I usually take it for panic disorder. After showing them 'I have this prescription,' I went home. How can you say a sick person 'did drugs'?" He also mentioned that he had visited a hospital the day before due to cold and body aches.
This is not the first time Lee has publicly discussed his health. In a February 2025 interview with Joongang Ilbo, he revealed that he has been managing panic disorder since 2011. He recounted a particularly stressful period during a 9-night, 10-day backpacking trip in Australia for the show "Men's Qualification," where long hours of driving on unpaved roads and the psychological strain of quitting smoking contributed to his condition. He likened panic disorder to a common cold for modern people, stating, "Just as immunity drops and one catches a cold, mental health can deteriorate leading to panic disorder." Lee continues to take medication for this condition.
Under South Korea's Road Traffic Act, it is prohibited to operate a vehicle if one is unable to drive normally due to the influence of drugs or medication. However, the law lacks clear guidelines on how long a person should refrain from driving after taking prescribed medication.
Police officials have been cautious about releasing detailed information. A representative from the Seoul Gangnam Police Station told various media outlets, "We cannot confirm the details of the case" and "It is still under investigation, so detailed information cannot be disclosed."
The incident has sparked discussions about the challenges faced by individuals who rely on prescription medication for chronic conditions and the legal ambiguities surrounding driving under the influence of such medications. Lee's case highlights the need for clearer regulations and greater public understanding of mental health issues and their treatment.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Lee emphasized that the situation was resolved after he returned the mistakenly taken vehicle. "It was a situation where I just returned the car," he said, underscoring that no further complications arose from the incident.
As the investigation continues, the public awaits further clarification from authorities. Meanwhile, Lee Kyung-kyu remains a prominent figure in Korean entertainment, known affectionately as the "godfather of comedians" and respected for his openness about his mental health struggles.
