Veteran comedian Lee Kyung-kyu was formally indicted Wednesday on charges of driving under the influence of prescription medication, prosecutors in Seoul announced.
According to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, Lee was found to have driven his vehicle last month while impaired by an over-the-counter sedative prescribed for insomnia. He faces possible penalties, including fines, license suspension, or imprisonment.
Prosecutors say Lee Kyung-kyu, 63, consumed a higher-than-recommended dose of the sleep aid and got behind the wheel of his SUV on a late evening in late September. Police stopped him after observing erratic driving near the Itaewon district. A roadside sobriety test revealed signs of impairment, and a subsequent blood test confirmed the presence of the drug at levels exceeding legal limits. Lee was released on bail after questioning and has maintained that he did not realize the medication could affect his driving ability.
Investigators reviewed traffic camera footage that showed Lee's vehicle crossing lane lines multiple times. Witnesses reported the car swerved and braked abruptly, prompting calls to emergency services. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved in the incident, and Lee did not sustain injuries. Authorities emphasize that impairment by prescription drugs carries similar legal liability as alcohol-related offenses under South Korea's Road Traffic Act.
Court documents detail that Lee was prescribed the medication by a general practitioner to help manage sleep disturbances following a recent health checkup. The dose administered to Lee exceeded the prescribed amount specified in the medication guidelines by nearly 50 percent, according to police statements. Prosecutors allege that Lee was aware of the risk warnings printed on the prescription label but chose to drive despite feeling drowsy.
Legal experts note that Lee's high-profile status may lead to stricter judicial scrutiny. "Celebrities often face public backlash when involved in traffic violations, and courts may impose stiffer penalties to serve as a deterrent," said a professor of law at Korea University. The case is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in November, where prosecutors will present evidence and witnesses.
Lee's agency issued a brief statement acknowledging the indictment and expressing his commitment to cooperate fully with the investigation. It also apologized to fans and the public for causing concern. As legal proceedings move forward, observers will watch closely to see whether Lee Kyung-kyu's legacy in the entertainment industry will withstand this challenge.
