Lee Jin-ho: Comedian in Police Custody – Gambling Probe

Comedian Lee Jin-ho Faces Prosecution Over Gambling and Drunk Driving Allegations

A South Korean comedian is embroiled in legal troubles, facing prosecution on charges of illegal internet gambling and drunk driving. Lee Jin-ho, 39, has been under police examination for several months, and the case has now been escalated to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office.

Initial Gambling Investigation & Prosecution Transfer

The investigation into Lee Jin-ho’s gambling activities began following a complaint submitted to authorities thru the Kookmin Newspaper. Police initially transferred the case to the prosecution in April, but a request for a supplementary investigation lead to further scrutiny. According to reports, prosecutors specifically requested additional information regarding the illegal gambling site used by Lee and the financial records of individuals connected to the operation.

Lee himself acknowledged his involvement in illegal gambling in an October 2023 Instagram post, stating, “In 2020, by chance, I started playing games on an illegal Internet gambling site and ended up taking on debt that was arduous to handle.”

Gangnam Police Station in Seoul announced on November 25, 2025, that lee had been sent to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office without detention on gambling charges.

Did you know? – South Korea has strict laws against gambling,with most forms of betting illegal except for state-run lotteries and horse racing.Illegal online gambling carries penalties including fines and imprisonment.

Drunk Driving Charges Add to Legal Woes

Adding to the complexity of the case,Lee is also facing prosecution for drunk driving. Authorities allege that on September 24th,he drove approximately 100 kilometers from Incheon City to his residence in Yangpyeong-gun,Gyeonggi-do,while under the influence. His blood alcohol level at the time was reportedly above the legal limit for license revocation (0.08% or higher).

Pro tip: – Driving under the influence in South Korea can result in license suspension, hefty fines, and even jail time, depending on the blood alcohol content and any resulting accidents.

Ongoing legal Process and Potential Consequences

The dual investigations highlight the seriousness of the allegations against Lee Jin-ho. The prosecution will now determine the appropriate course of action, which could include formal charges, fines, or even imprisonment. The case underscores the growing concern surrounding illegal online gambling in South Korea and the potential for high-profile individuals to become entangled in such activities.

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The outcome of these legal proceedings will likely have significant implications for Lee Jin-ho’s career and public image.

Reader question: – Do you think public figures should be held to a higher standard when it comes to following the law? What are your thoughts?

Why: Lee Jin-ho is facing legal action due to a complaint filed with authorities regarding his involvement in illegal online gambling. He also faces charges of drunk driving.
Who: lee Jin-ho, a 39-year-old South Korean comedian, is the central figure in the case. Authorities involved include the Gangnam Police Station, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, and the Kookmin Newspaper (which received the initial complaint).
What: Lee is accused of participating in illegal internet gambling, incurring debt as an inevitable result, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
How did it end?: As of November 25, 2025, Lee Jin-ho has been transferred to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office without detention to face gambling charges. The drunk driving investigation is ongoing. the final outcome of both investigations – whether formal charges are filed, fines are levied, or imprisonment is imposed – remains to be resolute by the prosecution.