Rising Concerns Over Celebrity DUIs: A String of Incidents in 2023

The entertainment industry is facing a wave of criticism as several celebrities have been caught driving under the influence this year, with the latest incidents involving singer Nam Tae-hyun and comedian Lee Jin-ho. Public disappointment is growing, with many expressing concerns that the entertainment industry might be gaining a reputation for lacking moral integrity.

Comedian Lee Jin-ho has sparked outrage after being caught driving under the influence while already under investigation for illegal gambling. The Gyeonggi Nambu Police Department announced that Lee was being investigated for driving from Incheon to Yangpyeong County, a distance of approximately 100 kilometers, while intoxicated on the morning of the 24th.

The Incheon Police Department received a report from Lee's girlfriend about his drunk driving, leading to his arrest in cooperation with the Yangpyeong Police. At the time of his arrest, Lee's blood alcohol level was 0.11%, which is above the legal limit for license revocation.

SM C&C, Lee's agency, confirmed the incident, stating, "He has completed the necessary investigations and is awaiting further action." They added, "Lee Jin-ho acknowledges his wrongdoing without any excuses and is deeply remorseful. We sincerely apologize for causing concern."

Previously, Lee admitted to illegal gambling charges in October last year and was forwarded to the prosecution in April. BTS's Jimin reportedly lent him 100 million won, and other celebrities like Lee Soo-geun and Young Tak were also affected. The public is now questioning whether Lee is effectively ending his career.

Just days earlier, actor Yoon Ji-on admitted to drunk driving and announced an indefinite hiatus. On the 17th, a day after being caught, he confessed on Instagram to being so intoxicated that he stole and rode a parked motorcycle, shocking the public.

Yoon expressed regret, stating, "I am assessing the damage caused and deeply apologize to those who supported me. I will ensure this never happens again and will accept any consequences." He has since stepped down from the Channel A drama 'A Baby is Coming,' which began filming in July.

The late Song Young-kyu was revealed to have been arrested for drunk driving on June 19, with the news breaking a month later. He drove approximately 5 kilometers after drinking with friends, with a blood alcohol level of 0.08%, leading to his arrest following a citizen's report.

Following the revelation, the dramas 'Eye Shopping' and 'Try: We Become Miracles,' in which he appeared, announced plans to edit his scenes to minimize disruption. He also left the play 'Shakespeare in Love' after his final performance on July 25.

Tragically, Song was found deceased in a car on August 4 in Yongin City. Actor Lee Jong-hyuk expressed his sorrow, and many colleagues mourned his passing.

Former WINNER member Nam Tae-hyun was booked for drunk driving by the Yongsan Police on May 8. He was caught after hitting a median strip while trying to overtake another car near Dongjak Bridge. His blood alcohol level was reportedly above the legal limit.

Nam was already on probation for drug use, having been sentenced to a year in prison with a two-year suspension for methamphetamine use in 2022. In 2023, he was fined 6 million won for drunk driving. Fans criticized him, saying, "You can't change a person."

By Da-yeon Jeong, TenAsia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr