According to Koreaboo, driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime, strongly condemned by public opinion. A scandal involving a celebrity DUI can lead to the end of their career.
Not a few Korean stars have had to end their artistic activities and leave the entertainment industry after being charged with a criminal offense for driving under the influence.
Former member of INSTAR - DJ Ahn Yesong
In February 2024, DJ Ahn Yesong, a former member of the group INSTAR, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and had his car confiscated for the crime of reckless driving leading to death, fleeing the scene, and failing to take measures to mitigate the consequences of the accident.
Ahn Yesong was arrested while driving a Mercedes-Benz in a state of intoxication in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam, Seoul. She crashed into a motorbike delivery driver, killing him. Ahn fled the scene and collided with another car. Her blood alcohol level at the time was 0.221%, far exceeding the level at which her license would be revoked.
The public was outraged and submitted over 1,500 petitions to the court demanding a harsh punishment for the female DJ. After being sentenced to 10 years in prison, Ahn Yesong is appealing, but her career is believed to be over, at least in the Korean entertainment industry. Ahn Yesong's Instagram account has been deleted.
Actress Jin Ye Sol
In June 2023, actress Jin Ye Sol was taken to the Gangdong police station for investigation into the crime of driving under the influence.
The actress was allegedly involved in a car accident while driving on the highway, crashing into a guardrail twice. A witness reported Jin Ye Sol as a suspect after witnessing the car accident. Within 30 minutes, the police apprehended Jin Ye Sol, who was dozing off while driving at an intersection in Godeok-dong.
Following this scandal, Jin Ye Sol has largely disappeared and has not had any other acting activities.
Actress Kim Sae Ron
In May 2022, actress Kim Sae Ron - a former child star in Korea - was investigated for driving under the influence and causing a serious car accident.
Kim Sae Ron was arrested in the Hakdong neighborhood of Gangnam after crashing into a transformer station, causing a power outage in the entire area, and attempting to flee the scene.
The police wanted to conduct a breathalyzer test, but the actress requested a blood test at the hospital. The results showed that her blood alcohol level exceeded 0.2%.
In April 2023, the Central District Court of Seoul issued a verdict sentencing Kim Sae Ron to 20 million won. The actress was also banned from broadcasting by KBS, and her roles were cut.
Kim Sae Ron has since made many efforts to return to acting, but her career path has been largely buried.
Lizzy of After School
In May 2021, Lizzy (Park Soo Ah) of After School and Orange Caramel was involved in a DUI accident, although there were no injuries.
Lizzy was driving under the influence and crashed into a taxi in front of her. Her blood alcohol level was at the level of license revocation (above 0.08%). The singer appeared in court in October of the same year and was fined 15 million won.
In the past, Lizzy shifted her career from Kpop idols to actress, but she has not been active since her last Korean TV drama in 2020.
Horan of Clazziquai
Horan of Clazziquai has repeatedly caused accidents due to driving under the influence in 2004, 2007, and 2016.
Many years later, in 2023, Horan faced a strong backlash when she became the winner of the MBC program "King of Mask Singer."
The public's strong reaction led to the program deleting all of Horan's performances on YouTube and other platforms.
Horan's social media accounts have also been permanently suspended.
