TV entertainer to have driver’s license revoked for drunk driving

The police plan to revoke the driver’s license of TV entertainer No Hong-chul and fine him for driving while drunk, investigators said Sunday.

The 35-year-old show host and comedian was caught on Nov. 7 while driving his Mercedes-Benz Smart minicar under the influence in southern Seoul. He apologized after the incident and withdrew from all TV shows.

No is one of the six cohosts of the popular entertainment show “Infinite Challenge,” which has aired on MBC since 2006. He is also the single host of another MBC show, “I Live Alone.”

A previous blood test from the scene showed No’s blood alcohol content to be 0.105 percent, according to the police, a level subject to suspension of license.

During police interrogation early morning Sunday, No said he was moving his car to another parking spot while drinking with a friend when he was caught by the police, investigators said.

“A BAC of 0.1 percent or higher is a level that is subject to revocation of one’s driving license. We will suspend No’s driver’s license for one year from as early as tomorrow and will send the case to (the prosecution),” a police official said. “In such cases (as No’s), a fine of 3 million won ($2,695) or up to 5 million won is usually imposed,” he said. (Yonhap)