'Cerebral Hemorrhage' Jinho Lee Owes 28 Million Won in Health Insurance... Unable to Pay ICU Medical Bills
by Lee Sojin
Published 11 Apr.2026 16:26(KST)
Updated 11 Apr.2026 21:04(KST)
Ongoing Treatment Due to Risk of Paralysis from Cerebral Hemorrhage
Approximately 28 Million Won in Health Insurance Premiums Unpaid Since 2023
Comedian Jin-ho Lee (40) has reportedly suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and is facing difficulties covering his hospital bills due to overdue health insurance premiums.
On April 11, the YouTube channel 'Yeonye Dutongryeong Jin-ho Lee' released a video titled "Jin-ho Lee Collapses from Cerebral Hemorrhage, 9 Days in Intensive Care... The Reason He's Struggling Without Hospital Fees," sharing details of his situation.
On April 1, Jin-ho Lee collapsed alone at his home in Yangpyeong and was urgently transported to the hospital. It was reported that a close friend, who knew both his home address and the door password, quickly called for help after a phone call with Lee was suddenly disconnected, enabling timely transport. Jin-ho Lee has since regained consciousness but is receiving intensive care in the ICU due to the possibility of paralysis as a sequelae of the cerebral hemorrhage.
His agency, SM C&C, stated that "there is no threat to his life," but reports indicate that the situation outside the hospital remains difficult.
Since 2023, he has been overdue on his health insurance premiums by about 28 million won, leading him to pay all ICU medical expenses out of pocket. If health insurance premiums remain unpaid for an extended period, coverage is suspended, and all treatment costs must be borne personally. The overdue premiums appear to be the result of both significant debts from illegal gambling and a loss of income after halting his activities. As the burden of medical costs increases, his family is reportedly struggling to secure the necessary funds.
Jin-ho Lee first rose to fame in 2005 through SBS's "Woongi’s Father." However, in October 2024, he confessed on his social media that "in 2020, I started gambling on an illegal online betting site by chance and ended up with unmanageable debt," and subsequently suspended all activities. During his period of self-reflection, it was revealed that he had been referred to the prosecution on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act for driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level high enough for license revocation (0.11%)-driving approximately 100 km from Incheon to his residence in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province-further fueling public criticism.
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