It has been confirmed that broadcaster Lee Kyung-kyu (65) was investigated by the police on suspicion of driving after taking medication. On the 9th, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station announced that they are investigating Lee Kyung-kyu for violating the Road Traffic Act. According to the police, Lee visited an indoor golf practice range in Gangnam on that day and accidentally drove a car of the same model as his due to a parking staff’s mistake.
When the police responded to a theft report and arrived, they conducted a breathalyzer and drug test on Lee. The breathalyzer test came back negative, but the rapid drug test showed a positive result. Lee reportedly provided the medication he took to the police, explaining that they were prescribed drugs. He later clarified in a phone interview with Sports DongA that he had taken cold medicine for a cold and flu, and notably sorted it out with the police, emphasizing that the drug headline could cause misunderstandings, but it was nothing more than taking cold medicine.
In fact, some cold medications contain ingredients that can result in a positive reaction on drug tests. Pharmacist Lee Joon mentioned that the ‘dihydrocodeine’ ingredient in cough medicine is classified as a narcotic and can cause a positive reaction on drug tests. This ingredient can induce drowsiness and has potential for addiction if dosage is not strictly observed.
Dihydrocodeine, a derivative of the narcotic codeine, is used in small amounts in cold medicine formulations to suppress cough reflexes. When taken in prescribed doses, the risk of dependency is low. However, exceeding the recommended dosage or prolonged misuse can lead to central nervous system issues like drowsiness, constipation, respiratory depression, and consciousness reduction, making dosage management important.
Meanwhile, a representative from Lee Kyung-kyu’s agency stated to E-Daily that the positive result might have come from the panic disorder medication he is taking, which contains psychoactive drug components. Although he was prescribed cold medicine, he claims not to have taken it, suggesting the positive test was due to panic disorder medication. Pharmacist Lee Joon confirmed that panic disorder medication can also result in a positive drug test.