Noh was drunk, test shows
The blood test results from entertainer Noh Hong-chul were made public yesterday, a week after he was caught by the police in Nonhyun-dong, southern Seoul, driving under the influence of alcohol.
According to Gangnam Police Station, Noh’s blood alcohol level was 0.1 percent, indicating that he was fully intoxicated behind the wheel of his Mercedes-Benz.
Police officers typically recommend that drivers take a Breathalyzer test, though the 35-year-old TV personality refused at the time. Instead, authorities recommended he take a blood test.
His blood sample was sent to the National Forensic Service last week for analysis.
Noh allegedly told police that he had drunk a little bit of soju, an alcoholic Korean spirit, and some wine, though his test results showed that he had likely had more.
At this point, Noh will not be able to avoid a monetary penalty or legal action. His driver’s license will be suspended for one year.
The Gangnam Police Station is planning to summon Noh for questioning soon to gather more details.
The entertainer announced on Nov. 8 that he would pull out of the programs in which he was appearing, “Infinite Challenge” and “I Live Alone,” to reflect on his actions.
Noh’s leave is likely to affect viewership. The entertainer, full of positive energy, was good at eliciting laughs and excelling at tasks assign to him and his castmates on “Infinite Challenge.”
The entertainer is the second “Infinite Challenge” performer to be involved in a drunken driving incident.
Gil Sung-jun, better known by his stage name Gil, quit the show in May after he was caught driving while intoxicated in Hapjeong-dong, Mapo District, western Seoul.
By Sung So-young
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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