Actor Lee Jae-ryong Repeatedly Investigated for Drunk Driving

Actor Lee Jae-ryong Faces Police Investigation for Alleged Drunk Driving

Actor Lee Jae-ryong, 62 years old, is currently under police investigation for allegedly causing a drunk driving accident. This is not the first time that Lee has faced legal consequences for similar offenses. In the past, he had his driver’s license revoked after causing an accident while driving under the influence.

The Seoul Gangnam Police Station announced on the 8th that they are investigating Lee for charges including drunk driving and failure to take action after an accident, which constitutes a violation of the Road Traffic Act. According to the police, Lee is accused of hitting a central divider near Cheongdam Station on Seoul Subway Line 7 around 11 p.m. on the 6th and then fleeing the scene.

After the incident, Lee parked his car at home and went to a friend’s house. He was arrested by the police at 2 a.m. on the 7th, approximately three hours after the accident. At the time of his arrest, Lee’s blood alcohol level was at the suspension threshold. During the police investigation, Lee reportedly claimed, “I did not drink before driving.” He asserted that he only drank after arriving at his friend’s house. The police are now tracking Lee’s movements on the day of the accident through CCTV and other means to verify the authenticity of his claim.

Lee has a history of similar offenses. In 2003, he had his license revoked after causing a drunk driving accident in Gangnam, Seoul. In 2019, he received a suspended indictment for allegedly knocking over and damaging a signboard at a bowling alley in Gangnam-gu while intoxicated (property damage).

Broader Implications: Police Officers Also Face Consequences

Meanwhile, there have been developments involving law enforcement officials. Three officers from the 22nd Police Security Unit, directly under the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and responsible for close protection of the president, were recently transferred after being caught in alcohol-related misconduct.

The 22nd Police Security Unit had repeatedly issued notices urging officers to refrain from drinking after 9 p.m. and avoid second-round drinking sessions until the 31st of this month. However, three officers from the unit were found to have been drinking until around 10:30 p.m. at a restaurant in Seoul after work on the 28th of last month. As a result, the unit transferred them to other departments on the 4th.

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