"I Regretted It Every Day"... Comedian Lee Jin-ho Faces Two Years in Prison for Gambling and Drunk Driving
Appeared in Court on Crutches After Suffering Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage
Lee Jin-ho Pleads for Leniency, Saying "I Will Never Do Wrong Again"
Comedian Lee Jin-ho has been sentenced to two years in prison for habitual gambling and drunk driving charges.
On August 14, during a trial presided over by Senior Judge Ahn Tae-yoon at the Criminal Division 1 of Yeoju Branch, Suwon District Court, prosecutors stated, "From May 11, 2023, to October 14, 2024, the defendant habitually gambled by remitting a total of over KRW 870 million to gambling websites in 664 separate transactions, which he then exchanged for cyber money. On September 24 last year, he also drove approximately 70 kilometers with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.12%," outlining the charges against him.
Lee admitted to all criminal charges. His attorney argued for leniency, saying, "The defendant deeply regrets his actions and acknowledges the charges. He has no previous criminal record and promises never to commit a crime again." Lee also stated, "Since my wrongdoing, I have lived each day full of regret. I will not repeat my mistakes. This will not happen again."
Lee appeared in court about 20 minutes before the start of the trial, wearing a white mask and using crutches. In April, Lee suffered a sudden cerebral hemorrhage and was hospitalized at a university hospital in Seoul, where he underwent treatment and rehabilitation before being discharged at the end of May. He is currently reported to experience partial paralysis, making communication and movement difficult, although light conversation and mobility are possible. His attorney told reporters, "His health has not fully recovered," and added, "Lee is nothing but apologetic."
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Previously, on May 29, Lee was indicted without detention on charges including habitual gambling and violation of the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving). Police launched an investigation after receiving a public complaint via the national petition portal requesting a probe into his gambling and fraud allegations, which led to the case being forwarded to prosecutors. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for 9:40 a.m. on the 1st of next month.
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