Kim Yong-man, a popular comedian and television show host, is facing charges of illegal gambling, according to prosecution officials.

The prosecution questioned Kim Tuesday over allegations that he bet more than 1 billion won on at least two illegal sports betting sites from 2008. Kim admitted to most of his charges, the prosecution said.

The news came as the government is stepping up a campaign against illegal online gambling, including plans for a special crackdown next month.

The 46-year-old Kim hosts SBS’s Thursday night TV talk show, “Star Couple Show Darling” and appears in a number of programs including KBS’s talk show “Do Dream,” and MBC’s “Section TV.”

Kim said he would quit the SBS program, according to the broadcaster.

By Oh Kyu-wook (596stroy@heraldcorp.com)