Seoul’s Gangnam Police Station interrogated veteran actor Lee Kyung Kyu for 1 hour 45 minutes on Tuesday night after booking him on suspicion of violating the Road Traffic Act.
The investigation centers on a June 8 incident in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam, where Lee allegedly drove after taking prescription medication for a decade-long panic-disorder. A passer-by, mistaking Lee’s vehicle for a stolen car of the same model, filed a theft report, prompting officers to administer a field sobriety test. Both that test and subsequent National Forensic Service analysis confirmed the presence of the medication in Lee’s system, police said.
“I wasn’t fully aware that my medication could impair my ability to drive,” Lee told reporters as he left the station. “This experience has driven home the need for greater caution. I was careless.”
Through counsel, Lee explained that his symptoms had worsened on the night in question. “Feeling severely unwell, he chose to drive himself to the hospital,” the lawyer said. “Regardless of the circumstances, he acknowledges the act was inexcusable.”
The 45-year-old performer also addressed fans directly. “I’m truly sorry for disappointing those who have supported me for so long,” he said, bowing before cameras.
Gangnam Police confirmed that investigative materials—including Lee’s statement and toxicology results—will be forwarded to prosecutors once the inquiry concludes. If convicted of drug-impaired driving, Lee could face fines or a license suspension under South Korea’s Road Traffic Act.
No court date has yet been set.
