Korean Comedian Lee Jin-ho Referred to Prosecution Over Illegal Gambling Allegations

Korean comedian Lee Jin-ho, known for his appearances on popular variety shows such as Comedy Big League and Men on a Mission, has been officially referred to prosecution on charges related to illegal online gambling.

On the 15th, Seoul Gangnam Police Station confirmed that Lee had been transferred to prosecutors following an investigation into gambling allegations. This probe was launched after a public petition was submitted via the Korean government’s complaint platform, requesting a formal investigation into Lee’s alleged gambling and fraud activities.

Back in October 2023, Lee Jin-ho took to his SNS account to publicly acknowledge his involvement in illegal gambling. He wrote, “In 2020, I started playing games on an illegal online gambling site out of curiosity, but it spiraled out of control, leaving me with insurmountable debt.”

As the debts piled up, reports suggest that he borrowed money from close acquaintances, including BTS member Jimin and fellow comedian Lee Soo-geun. Neither party has officially commented on the matter.

Lee Jin-ho debuted in 2005 as a special recruit comedian for SBS and has since become a familiar face on Korean television, participating in various entertainment programs, particularly on networks like tvN and JTBC.

This controversy has sparked significant debate online, especially given the involvement of high-profile celebrities and the rising concern surrounding the hidden impact of online gambling in the entertainment world.