The prosecution has demanded a prison sentence for a famous Korean TV personality who was indicted on charges of illegal gambling and drunk driving.
At the sentencing hearing held on the morning of August 14th under the sole jurisdiction of Criminal Division 1 at the Suwon District Court Yeoju Branch, the prosecution requested a two-year prison term for Lee Jin Ho.
Lee Jin Ho admitted to all charges. His lawyer pleaded for leniency, stating, “He deeply reflects on his wrongdoing,” and added, “This is his first offense, and he pledges not to reoffend.”
In his final statement, Lee Jin Ho said, “Having made these mistakes, I have lived every day with regret and without peace of mind,” and vowed, “I will never commit such crimes again.”
Lee Jin Ho appeared in court using crutches, still experiencing mobility difficulties after collapsing due to a cerebral hemorrhage.
Previously, on May 29, the Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office Yeoju Branch indicted Lee Jin Ho without detention. According to the prosecution, Lee Jin Ho is accused of drunk driving about 100 km from Incheon to Yangpyeong in the early morning of September 24 last year while intoxicated.
At the time, Lee Jin Ho’s blood alcohol concentration was measured at 0.11%, which is grounds for license cancellation. Later, Lee Jin Ho requested a blood test, and the National Forensic Service’s analysis showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.12%.
Lee Jin Ho is also accused of gambling multiple times using illegal online gambling sites. Earlier, the police received a complaint through the National Police Agency’s civil petition portal requesting an investigation into Lee Jin Ho’s gambling fraud charges and subsequently started an investigation before referring the case to the prosecution.
Additionally, on April 1, Lee Jin Ho collapsed suddenly at his home due to a cerebral hemorrhage and was urgently transported to the hospital. It was reported that singer and former Super Junior member Kangin, who was talking to Lee Jin Ho at the time, called emergency services, prompting the dispatch of the 119 ambulance team.
Lee Jin Ho was rushed to a hospital in Seoul and received treatment in the intensive care unit. After regaining consciousness, he was transferred to a general ward to continue rehabilitation therapy.
He was discharged at the end of May and has since been receiving outpatient treatment at home to rest. Although some paralysis remains causing difficulties in communication and mobility, his condition has improved to the level where light conversation and movement are possible.