"While Picking Up a Dropped Phone" Lee Hyukjae Explains DUI Accident

"Admitted to Driving After 1–2 Drinks Near Home"


Blood Alcohol Level at License Suspension Threshold

Broadcaster Lee Hyukjae (54) has been booked by the police for driving under the influence after causing an accident in which he rear-ended a motorcycle that was waiting at a traffic light.

Broadcaster Lee Hyukjae. Screenshot from The Asia Business Daily YouTube channel.

The Yeonsu Police Station in Incheon announced on the 9th that Lee had been booked without detention on suspicion of drunk driving under the Road Traffic Act.

On the previous evening at around 10:00 p.m., Lee is accused of driving a car while under the influence of alcohol near the intersection in front of the Korea Coast Guard in Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, and rear-ending a motorcycle that was stopped at a traffic signal. The incident resulted in injuries to the motorcycle rider, a man in his 20s identified as Mr. A, though the injuries were reported to be minor.

According to the police, Lee’s blood alcohol level measured at the scene was within the range for license suspension (0.03% or higher but less than 0.08%). It was confirmed that no passengers were in the vehicle at the time.

In a phone interview with Yonhap News Agency, Lee claimed that he had a meal at a restaurant about 300 meters from his house and consumed one or two drinks before driving. He said he was the one who reported the accident to the police himself.

Lee explained, "Because my home was nearby, I debated whether to drive, which led to this trouble. I stepped out of the restaurant saying I wouldn't drink during the meal, but after having some alcohol, I chose to drive to my house, which is located about 300–500 meters away. As I was picking up my phone which I had dropped, the car rolled forward slightly and collided with the motorcycle."

He further stated, "While waiting to turn left, I leaned forward and failed to notice a delivery motorcycle pulling in ahead of me. After the accident, I personally reported it to the police, handled the insurance, and told them I would cooperate with the investigation."

He also added, "I will fully cooperate with the police investigation and take responsibility for my actions."

A police official commented, "Lee has been booked on charges of drunk driving, and if the extent of the victim's injuries is verified, additional charges under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Settlement of Traffic Accidents may be applied."

Meanwhile, Lee Hyukjae was effectively expelled from the broadcasting industry in 2010 after a scandal involving the assault of a female employee and an acquaintance at an adult entertainment establishment in Incheon. During his period of self-reflection, it was revealed this March that he had joined the judging panel for the youth proportional representation public audition organized by the People Power Party, which again sparked controversy.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.