Veteran entertainer Lee Kyung-kyu issued a public apology Tuesday after being investigated for driving under the influence of prescription medication, which he said was taken to treat a panic disorder.

According to Yonhap News, Lee was questioned for approximately 90 minutes by the Gangnam Police Department on June 24. The inquiry focused on whether the medication he took impaired his ability to safely operate a vehicle, potentially violating South Korea's Road Traffic Act.

Speaking to reporters after his questioning, Lee admitted fault in the incident.
"I didn't realize that I shouldn't be driving after taking medication for my panic disorder when I wasn't feeling well," he said.

A formal statement released through his legal representative added: "Getting behind the wheel while I wasn't in good physical condition was an inexcusable act of carelessness.

I will now take better care of my health and be more cautious with my actions and words."
The incident occurred on June 9 at a golf facility in Seoul's Gangnam district.

According to reports, Lee mistakenly drove off in a car nearly identical to his own after a parking attendant handed him the wrong keys.

The vehicle's actual owner alerted authorities, prompting police intervention.

Although a breathalyzer test returned negative for alcohol, a rapid drug test showed a positive result for medication.

Police then launched an investigation to determine whether Lee had violated any traffic laws by driving while under the influence of a substance that could impair his cognitive abilities.

Lee's agency, ADG Company, confirmed that the entertainer has been receiving treatment for a panic disorder for nearly a decade.

They explained that Lee had experienced a panic episode the night before the incident and took his prescribed medication.

Still feeling unwell the following morning, he attempted to drive himself to the hospital.

"All the medications were prescribed by a certified specialist, and Lee voluntarily presented the prescriptions to the police during the investigation," the agency said.

Under Article 45 of South Korea's Road Traffic Act, driving while under the influence of any substance that impairs concentration or judgment — including legally prescribed medication — can constitute a violation if the driver is unaware of the risks associated with it.

Police stated that they will thoroughly review the testimony, prescription records, and related documents before determining whether to file charges.

Although a number of netizens expressed concern about the very real danger of driving under the influence or taking medication, others said that Lee had fully contributed to the investigation and had accepted the consequences of his actions.

Lee, 64, made his comedic debut in 1981 and gained fame in the 1990s through programs such as MBC's "Sunday Night" and its hit Hidden Camera segment.

Although he has experienced highs and lows in his career, he is one of South Korea's most well-known comedic figures.