The film 'The Pursuit' finally sees the light of day after a 7-year delay caused by actor Bae Sung-woo's DUI incident in 2020. Bae, who appeared at the interview venue without shaving his beard or trimming his sideburns, showed signs of the emotional struggles he endured over the years.
On the 26th, Bae Sung-woo, the lead actor of 'The Pursuit,' was met at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. He appeared more gaunt than during the press screening of 'The Pursuit' held the previous day.
'The Pursuit' is a crime investigation drama about Detective Jae-hyuk (played by Bae Sung-woo), who is demoted to a rural area and teams up with rookie detective Joong-ho (played by Jung Ga-ram) to solve a murder case involving two suspects. The film was completed in 2019 and was set for release in 2020, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Bae's DUI controversy.
In 2020, Bae was caught driving under the influence after drinking with an acquaintance, with a blood alcohol level of over 0.08%, leading to the revocation of his license.
As the lead in a film being released after a long hiatus, Bae expressed, "I felt sorry, but I'm relieved and grateful that the film is finally being released. I always work hard on every project, but 'The Pursuit' is a film where I felt a particular responsibility." He added, "During the hiatus, I exercised, watched films, and talked with fellow actors. There was nothing to overcome; it was simply a mistake. I just need to avoid doing things I shouldn't. I wasn't a heavy drinker before either."
Bae appeared tense and anxious whenever questions about the DUI incident arose, admitting he barely slept the night before. He shared, "I'm very nervous. I usually enjoy interviews because I like discussing projects. I was curious about what the journalists thought, so I enjoyed it to some extent, but today, being my first in a while, I'm very nervous. I'm sweating a lot."
When asked to say a word to his brother Bae Sung-jae, who might have faced difficulties due to his DUI incident, Bae showed a troubled expression. He said, "We've been awkward since childhood," and after a few moments of thought, sipping his coffee, he cautiously added, "That's the hardest part. He, that person, that friend must have had some emotional struggles."
At the time, Bae Sung-jae apologized on a radio broadcast, saying, "As a family member, I apologize. His name will never be mentioned on the broadcast again." Bae Sung-woo commented, "I feel sorry, but I'm glad he's doing well with his wife after getting married last year. It's more awkward because we're family."
Bae Sung-woo is set to return to the public eye with the release of 'The Pursuit' on December 2nd. He sought advice from many people regarding his 'comeback.' He confessed, "It might sound irresponsible, but I felt I had to start again. I realized I just have to do my best."
Throughout the interview, Bae emphasized his determination not to repeat past mistakes and to seize the opportunity to prove his responsibility as an actor once again. After a long period of reflection and burden, Bae stands at the starting line to demonstrate his commitment as an actor once more.
Ryu Ye-ji, TenAsia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr