Comedian Lee Hyuk-jae Booked for Drunk Driving After Rear-Ending Motorcycle, Explains He 'Had a Couple of Drinks Near Home'

Comedian Lee Hyuk-jae (53) has been booked by police after getting behind the wheel while intoxicated and colliding with a motorcycle.

On September 9, the Incheon Yeonsu Police Station announced that they had booked Lee without detention and are investigating him on charges of drunk driving under the Road Traffic Act. Lee is accused of driving while intoxicated on a road in Songdo-dong, Yeonsu District, Incheon, at around 10:00 PM the previous night and rear-ending a motorcycle waiting at a traffic signal. At the time of the incident, Lee's blood alcohol concentration was reportedly at the license suspension level (0.03% or higher and less than 0.08%).

As news of the accident spread, Lee apologized for the drunk driving incident during an interview with JTBC Entertainment News, while offering an explanation: "The previous night, I carelessly had a couple of drinks with acquaintances about 300 meters from my house. While driving, a delivery motorcycle cut in front of me while waiting at a red light. The car was not actively in motion, but my phone dropped, and while picking it up, the brake slipped and I lightly bumped into the motorcycle." He also emphasized that he personally reported the incident to the police to apologize and stated that the motorcycle driver did not sustain serious injuries.

However, the public's response to his explanation has been cold. Critics pointed out, "Regardless of whether the car was moving, drinking, sitting in the driver's seat, and failing to properly operate (Distorted) the brakes in itself proves the danger of drunk driving." In particular, observers noted that his claim of causing the accident while picking up his phone essentially amounts to an admission of post-drinking carelessness, sparking further disbelief.

Earlier in March, Lee faced controversy regarding his qualifications after being appointed as a judge for the People Power Party's "Metropolitan Council Proportional Representation Youth Audition." At that time, past incidents involving his assault of hostess bar employees and substantial delinquent taxes resurfaced, triggering intense backlash over whether he was qualified to evaluate young politicians. Lee expressed his determination to continue his activities at the time, claiming his tax delinquency was "unfair."

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)