Lee Hyuk-jae, previously involved in assault case and high tax arrears, referred to prosecution on drunk driving charges

Broadcaster Lee Hyuk-jae (54) has been referred to the prosecution on charges of causing an accident by hitting a motorcycle while driving under the influence.
According to the Incheon Yeonsu Police Station on the 20th, police booked Lee Hyuk-jae without detention on charges of drunk driving under the Road Traffic Act and recently referred the case to the Incheon District Prosecutors' Office.
Lee is accused of driving a passenger car while intoxicated around 10 PM on September 8 at an intersection in front of the Korea Coast Guard in Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, and colliding with a motorcycle that was waiting for a signal.
The blood alcohol concentration of Lee, measured by police dispatched to the scene at the time of the accident, was confirmed to be between 0.03% and 0.08%, which is the level for driver's license suspension. It is reported that the motorcycle driver was not seriously injured.
In a phone call with Maeil Business Star Today on September 9, the day after the accident, Lee apologized, saying, "I admit to the drunk driving. I will faithfully undergo the police investigation. I am truly sorry." Regarding the circumstances of the accident, he explained, "While heading home the previous day, acquaintances asked me to stop by briefly, so I had about two drinks. It was a mistake to get behind the wheel after debating whether to call a designated driver because my house was close." He added that he reported the incident to the police himself to undergo a breathalyzer test and understands that the victim's injuries are not severe.
The police initially considered applying charges of injury under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Settlement of Traffic Accidents, but after investigating the circumstances of the accident and the extent of the damage, they referred the case applying only the drunk driving charges.
As news of Lee Hyuk-jae being referred to the prosecution for drunk driving broke, past controversies are being brought back into the spotlight. Lee suspended his broadcasting activities in 2010 after causing a stir regarding an assault case involving an employee of an entertainment establishment. Since then, he has also been subject to public scrutiny regarding issues such as debt and tax arrears.
Last March, he participated as a judge in the finals of the People Power Party's 'Metropolitan Council Member Proportional Youth Open Audition.' At that time, controversy arose regarding Lee's past history. Amidst this, Lee has caused another stir following his past controversies as he is now referred to the prosecution on drunk driving charges.