Comedian Lee Jin-ho appears on crutches at first trial on gambling, drunk driving charges

Comedian Lee Jin-ho, 40, who faces charges of illegal gambling and drunk driving, appeared at his trial on crutches Friday, still recovering from the aftereffects of a cerebral hemorrhage.

The Yeoju Branch of Suwon District Court held the first hearing in Lee's case Friday morning. He is charged with habitual gambling and violating the Road Traffic Act through drunk driving.

Lee arrived at the courthouse on crutches, his mobility not yet fully recovered after the cerebral hemorrhage that struck him in April and the rehabilitation he has undergone since.

Lee collapsed at his home on April 1 due to a cerebral hemorrhage and was rushed to a hospital. He received treatment in the intensive care unit before regaining consciousness and being moved to a general ward, then was discharged in late May after completing rehabilitation.

He retains some paralysis that causes difficulty with communication and movement, though he has recovered to the point where light conversation and getting around are possible.

The Yeoju Branch of the Suwon District Prosecutors Office indicted Lee without detention on May 29.

Lee is accused of gambling multiple times through illegal online gambling sites. He also faces charges of driving under the influence at a level that would warrant license revocation.