Comedian Lee Jin Ho faces 2-year prison request over gambling and DUI charges

Prosecutors have requested a two-year prison sentence for comedian Lee Jin Ho over charges of habitual gambling and drunk driving. The first trial hearing for Lee Jin Ho 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. He has been indicted on charges of illegal gambling and violating the Road Traffic Act by driving under the influence. Regarding the habitual gambling charges, prosecutors said, “From May 11, 2023, to October 14, 2024, he transferred approximately 870 million KRW (approx. 614,507 USD) to gambling websites on 664 occasions, converted the money into virtual currency, and used it to engage in habitual gambling.” Lee Jin Ho also drove under the influence while he was awaiting prosecution without detention over the gambling charges. In September of last year, he drank alcohol and drove to his home in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province. Prosecutors said, “Lee Jin Ho drove approximately 70 kilometers with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.12%, according to the blood test results.” The level exceeded South Korea’s threshold for license revocation, which is 0.08% or higher. Prosecutors requested a two-year prison sentence. Lee Jin Ho’s attorney pleaded for leniency, saying, “The defendant deeply regrets his actions and acknowledges the charges. He promises that he will never commit another crime.” Lee Jin Ho also said, “I have spent every day regretting what I did. I will never make the same mistake again.” The sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 1 at 9:40 AM.