He addressed the media briefly.
Comedian Lee Jin Ho, who recently admitted to his involvement in illegal online gambling, has faced a three-hour police interrogation. On October 22, Lee left the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul after being questioned about his alleged habitual gambling activities.
According to reports, the comedian was investigated as a suspect, with police probing the extent, methods, and duration of his illegal gambling. Additionally, authorities are said to be considering whether fraud charges could apply, given that Lee borrowed money from acquaintances under potentially misleading circumstances.
When approached by reporters after his questioning, Lee Jin Ho was asked about his testimony. He responded briefly, saying that he had fully cooperated with the investigation and would continue to do so if required. He also issued a public apology, bowing his head and expressing regret for the trouble he had caused.
I cooperated fully with the investigation. If I need to return for further questioning in the future, I will cooperate again sincerely. I apologize once again for causing trouble.
— Lee Jin Ho
However, Lee declined to answer further questions, including whether he admitted to all charges of habitual gambling or borrowed money specifically for gambling purposes. He also did not comment on the financial damage caused to those who had lent him money.
Lee’s confession, which he shared on social media earlier this month, revealed that he began gambling online in 2020 and accumulated a large debt. He mentioned that despite quitting gambling, he had already sought financial help from numerous people, including several celebrities.
Notably, BTS’s Jimin, along with singers Young Tak, Ha Sung Woon, and comedian Lee Soo Geun, were named among those who had lent money to Lee. It is estimated that his gambling-related debt amounts to around ₩2.30 billion KRW (about $1.67 million USD) — with Jimin in particular lending him ₩100 million krw.
Following the scandal, Lee has been dismissed as an ambassador for Hwaseong City and stepped down from his role on JTBC’s Knowing Bros.
