Lee Kyung-kyu Clears Up Drug Test False Alarm and Car Mix-Up in Seoul
South Korean comedian Lee Kyung-kyu has addressed recent controversies involving a drug test misunderstanding and a foreign car mix-up. In a June 9, 2025, phone interview with Munhwa Ilbo, Lee clarified the incidents that sparked widespread attention.
韓国コメディアンのイ・ギョンギュがソウルでの薬物検査誤解について説明（画像提供：文化日報）
Drug Test Clarification: Panic Disorder Medication Misunderstanding
Lee explained that the reported "drug test positive" stemmed from his prescribed panic disorder medication. “On June 8, I visited a hospital for flu-like symptoms,” he said. “Reports of me being at an indoor golf practice range are false. A police urine test showed a reaction due to my panic disorder medication.”
He added, “I carry my prescription with me. After showing it to the police, I was cleared and sent home. It’s unfair to label someone sick as a ‘drug user.’” The police confirmed his explanation, and the case was closed.
Foreign Car Mix-Up: A Case of Mistaken Keys
Regarding the foreign car mix-up, Lee stated, “In a parking lot, I mistakenly took the key to a car of the same color as mine. After noticing my bag wasn’t inside, I returned the car immediately.” The vehicle’s owner briefly reported it stolen, but it was returned without issue, and the matter was resolved.
Police Findings: No Alcohol, Just Medication
On June 8, 2025, at approximately 2 p.m. in Gangnam, Seoul, police investigated a report of Lee driving a foreign car not his own. A breathalyzer test confirmed no alcohol consumption, but a preliminary drug test showed a positive result due to his panic disorder medication. After verifying his prescription, the police released him, and no further action was taken.
Global Context and Netizen Reactions
Prescription medications for conditions like panic disorder, ADHD, or depression can sometimes trigger false positives in drug tests. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has noted that certain medications may mimic amphetamine-like reactions in preliminary tests.
Public reactions vary. Some netizens commented, “It’s wrong to frame someone on prescribed medication as a drug user,” and “It’s sad that even Lee Kyung-kyu faces such misunderstandings.” Others remarked, “Public figures should be more cautious to avoid these situations.”
Conclusion: Moving Past the Misunderstandings
The incidents involving Lee Kyung-kyu underscore how prescription medications and simple errors, like a car key mix-up, can lead to public misconceptions. With the police investigation concluded and no charges filed, Lee aims to focus on his health and career moving forward.