Actor Lee Jae-ryong (62), who is under investigation for leaving the scene after a traffic accident in Seoul’s Gangnam District, has admitted to driving under the influence.
According to JoongAng Ilbo on the 9th, the Gangnam Police received a statement from Lee’s side on the 7th saying he drank four shots of soju before the crash. His side reportedly claimed they thought the car had only lightly grazed the center divider at the time.
Addressing allegations that he drank more alcohol after the crash to complicate breath testing, Lee’s side said, “He only attended a previously scheduled engagement. He did not drink additionally to interfere with testing,” adding, “The following afternoon, he acknowledged drunk driving and informed police of his position. He is deeply reflecting, regrets his actions, and apologizes for causing concern.”
Police say that around 11 p.m. on March 6, near Cheongdam Station in Gangnam-gu, Lee hit a median while driving and left the scene without taking necessary measures. He is said to have parked the car at home and then gone to an acquaintance’s house before being apprehended by police. His blood alcohol level reportedly measured at the license-suspension range.
Lee previously had his license revoked in 2003 after refusing a breath test following a drunk driving accident. In 2019, he was given a suspension of indictment by prosecutors after damaging a bowling alley sign while severely intoxicated.
A past on-air comment from actor Yoo Ho-jung about her husband’s drinking habits is also resurfacing. On the 2018 SBS variety show "Same Bed, Different Dreams 2: You Are My Destiny," she said, “My husband once bragged that he drank 14 bottles of soju with Pyongyang naengmyeon,” adding, “I knew he drank a lot, but I didn’t know it was 14 bottles,” drawing laughter at the time.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)