25.09.24.Today News : Comedian Lee Jin-ho Caught Drunk Driving 100km Amid Illegal Gambling Scandal

Comedian Lee Jin-ho Caught Drunk Driving 100km Amid Illegal Gambling Scandal

📍Girlfriend’s report leads to arrest; BAC at license revocation level, agency issues apology

Comedian Lee Jin-ho, already under investigation for illegal gambling, has been caught driving under the influence after allegedly driving 100 kilometers from Incheon to Yangpyeong. Reportedly tipped off by his girlfriend, Lee was arrested with a blood alcohol concentration at the license revocation level. His agency has apologized, stating he is deeply reflecting on his actions.

Comedian Lee Jin-ho, who had been taking time off following allegations of illegal gambling, was caught by police after driving approximately 100 kilometers under the influence of alcohol.

---

■ Drunk Driving Incident
Yangpyeong Police in Gyeonggi Province announced on the 24th that they had booked 39-year-old comedian Lee Jin-ho without detention on charges of drunk driving.
According to authorities, Lee argued with his girlfriend after drinking in Incheon before getting behind the wheel and driving approximately 100 kilometers to his residence in Yangpyeong.

His girlfriend reported the incident to police, prompting Incheon authorities to request assistance from Yangpyeong Police. Officers traced Lee’s route and arrested him around 3:23 a.m. near his home.

■ Blood Alcohol Concentration and Investigation
A breathalyzer test revealed Lee’s blood alcohol concentration at 0.11%, a level high enough for license revocation. At his request, police also conducted a blood test, with results still pending. Authorities continue to investigate the case for further details.

■ Agency’s Statement
Lee’s agency, SM C&C, issued an official statement confirming the drunk driving, saying, “Lee Jin-ho admits his wrongdoing without excuses and is deeply reflecting on his actions.” The company added, “We accept responsibility and will ensure he complies with all legal procedures and penalties.”

■ Illegal Gambling Scandal Resurfaces
This incident comes while Lee was already under self-reflection following revelations of his illegal gambling activities in October last year. At that time, he publicly admitted to gambling through social media, promising to repay his debts regardless of the circumstances. Reports suggested he borrowed over 2.3 billion won from colleagues and loan companies combined.

In April this year, Seoul Gangnam Police forwarded Lee to prosecutors on charges of habitual gambling. His entertainment career had already been suspended, and the new drunk driving case has fueled further public outrage.

■ Public Shock and Broken Promises
When admitting to gambling last year, Lee vowed, “Even if I cannot be a role model, I will at least live so as not to be condemned by others.” With this recent scandal, his statement has been thrown into question, leaving fans and the public feeling betrayed and disappointed.

■ Career Background
Born in 1986, Lee debuted as a comedian in 2005 through SBS’s 7th special recruitment program and gained fame with his “Woongi’s Father” character. He was also a prominent figure on tvN’s Comedy Big League and appeared on JTBC’s Knowing Bros. However, following the gambling scandal and now a drunk driving case, his prospects for returning to television appear increasingly bleak.

One-line summary : Comedian Lee Jin-ho, already under scrutiny for illegal gambling, has been booked by police after being caught drunk driving 100 kilometers from Incheon to Yangpyeong following a report from his girlfriend.