Comedian Lee Jin Ho is facing a serious legal battle, with prosecutors requesting a two-year prison sentence for charges of habitual gambling and drunk driving.
This stems from his involvement in illegal gambling, where from May 11, 2023, to October 14, 2024, he reportedly transferred approximately 870 million KRW (approx. 614,507 USD) across 664 occasions to gambling websites. He then converted this money into virtual currency for habitual gambling.
Adding to his legal woes, Lee Jin Ho was also charged with drunk driving. While awaiting prosecution for the gambling charges, he drove under the influence in September last year. Prosecutors stated that he drove approximately 70 kilometers to his home in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.12%. This level significantly exceeds South Korea’s legal threshold for license revocation, which is 0.08% or higher.
The first trial hearing was held on August 14 at the Yeoju Branch of the Suwon District Court, Criminal Division 1, presided over by Chief Judge Ahn Tae Yoon. Lee Jin Ho appeared at the courthouse on crutches, indicted on both illegal gambling and Road Traffic Act violations. His attorney pleaded for leniency, emphasizing Lee Jin Ho’s deep regret and acknowledgment of the charges, along with a promise to never re-offend. Lee Jin Ho himself echoed these sentiments, stating, “I have spent every day regretting what I did. I will never make the same mistake again.”
Based on the severity of the charges, prosecutors formally requested a two-year prison sentence. The final sentencing hearing for the comedian is scheduled for September 1 at 9:40 AM.
