‘Intoxicated drunk driving’ actor Ko Kyung-pyo, film co-starring Ra Mi-ran also in ‘crisis’ [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The ripple effects of actor Ko Kyung-pyo’s “intoxicated drunk driving” incident continue. While several variety shows he appeared on have faced backlash, the film in which he starred alongside Ra Mi-ran has also been thrown into turmoil.

Ko was involved in an accident around 3:30 a.m. on the 14th when he struck a street sweeper while driving his personal car in Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Immediately after reports of the incident emerged, his agency, CLE Company, stated, “We deeply apologize to those who were harmed by Ko Kyung-pyo’s drunk driving accident.” The agency acknowledged the violation, adding, “Ko was driving under the influence of alcohol in the early hours of that day and collided with a street sweeper. A breathalyzer test confirmed his blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeded the threshold for license revocation.”

The agency further stated, “Ko has completed police questioning and returned home. He acknowledges his mistake and is deeply reflecting on it,” adding, “We are taking the seriousness of drunk driving very seriously. We will humbly accept any penalties imposed and fulfill our responsibilities, including making amends for the damage caused.” It was reported that Ko’s BAC measured 0.150%, nearly double the 0.08% level required for license revocation. There were no passengers in the vehicle, and police plan to investigate the detailed circumstances of the incident with Ko.

Ko’s intoxicated drunk driving has put the broadcasting industry on alert. However, it is not just television; the film he appeared in is also in crisis. This year, Ko finished filming “Original x Rice Cake Shop” with actor Ra Mi-ran and is awaiting its release next year. The film was initially known as “Original Drug Rice Cake Shop” but had its title changed. Filming wrapped in May, and post-production is currently underway. Adapted from the French film “Paulette’s Bizarre Bakery,” the movie tells the story of An Bok-ja (played by Ra Mi-ran), a rice cake shop owner who accidentally witnesses a drug deal. It is the feature film debut of director Kim Kyung-yoon, an alumnus of the Korea National University of Arts.

The film has also faced uncertainty due to Ko’s intoxicated drunk driving. A representative from Showbox, the film’s distributor, told StarNews that they are aware of the situation and are discussing how to respond.

On the day the news of Ko’s drunk driving broke, MBC’s “What Are You Doing?” aired its episode from the 14th with most of Ko’s segments removed. The production team for tvN’s variety show “Sixth Sense: B-Side,” in which Ko is a regular cast member, stated, “We will edit his appearance to the maximum extent possible so that viewers are not inconvenienced in the broadcast on the 15th and next week’s final episode.”

Other programs, including tvN’s “Amazing Saturday,” where Ko completed recording as a guest; tvN’s “Bo Geum Magical 2,” scheduled to premiere on the 29th; and Tving’s original variety show “Great Escape: Urban Legends,” set for release on the 2nd of next month, are also deeply concerned about how to handle his appearances. Ko’s drunk driving has become a source of trouble in many ways.

Ko directly apologized through his personal social media account on the 15th.

Opening his apology with “I am sorry. This is Ko Kyung-pyo,” he stated, “In the early hours of November 14, I was driving after drinking and struck a street sweeper. My blood alcohol concentration at the time exceeded the standard for license revocation. First, I would like to apologize once again to those who were working in the early morning and found themselves in danger or were startled by my driving.”

Ko said, “It is entirely my fault that I got behind the wheel after drinking. I am the one who told people not to drink and drive, yet I broke that promise. My actions could have caused serious injury to someone. It was irresponsible behavior. After colliding with the street sweeper, I did not immediately see a place to stop, so I drove a little further before pulling over. I got out of the car to check what I had hit. As soon as I saw the two sanitation workers, I told them I was sorry. They carefully informed me that they had already called the police. It was a situation where I had no excuse even if they were angry, but their words made me even more flustered and guilty, to the point where I wanted to hide somewhere.” He added, “I told them I would take responsibility for my mistake and apologized again sincerely.

We then waited for the police while talking briefly on the spot,” explaining the situation.

Ko also addressed footage from a CCTV camera showing him putting something in his pocket after the police arrived, clarifying, “What I put in my coat pocket in the video was the car key I had been holding in my hand.”

Ko stated, “There were times when I felt confused and did not know what to do as an actor going forward. At that time, appearing on variety shows, mingling with people, and laughing gave me a lot of strength. Some viewers told me that although they had had a hard day, watching my show helped them forget their worries for a moment. I was truly happy and grateful for each day I went to work recently.” He continued, “That is why I am even more sorry to the people who created the programs currently airing and those scheduled for release with me. There are people who have to re-edit scenes we filmed together laughing because of my mistake, and others who suddenly have to make difficult decisions regarding schedules they prepared for a long time. I am truly sorry to the production teams and staff who trusted and invited me, as well as the colleagues who stood by my side. I have caused great worry and disappointment to those who had given me words of encouragement that meant so much to me. I am sorry to all fans who have supported me for a long time, those who took time out of their day to meet me and waited, and everyone who has watched my works and shows. Thinking about what I did makes me extremely angry at myself, but rather than dwelling on that feeling, I want to apologize once again in person to those who were shocked and distressed by my actions.”

Finally, Ko added, “I will cooperate sincerely with the police investigation. I will take the necessary measures to recover from the damage caused by the accident and bear all responsibility according to the penalties imposed. I will suspend all scheduled activities. I will never forget the shame I feel about myself regarding this incident, and I will hold onto myself as I live my life. I am truly sorry.”

Although Ko bowed his head eight times with “I am sorry” in an apology letter exceeding 1,200 characters, the damage caused by his drunk driving is expected to continue.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original