Kim Sae-ron's agency apologizes as drunk driving investigation continues

CCTV footage shows an SUV believed to belong to Kim Sae-ron driving erratically on Wednesday morning in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul, released by YTN. [YTN]

Gold Medalist, the agency representing actor Kim Sae-ron who is under police investigation for drunk driving after failing a breathalyzer test in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul on Wednesday, released a statement on Thursday apologizing for the incident.

"We sincerely apologize on behalf of the actor," the agency stated. "Kim is deeply reflecting on her mistake and she wants to apologize to the many people who have suffered damage and inconvenience and all those who are working hard to restore the damaged public facilities."

The agency also added that she provided blood on Wednesday for blood alcohol testing and was sent back home. The police said the test result will be out in about a week.

Meanwhile, Netflix Korea told local news outlet Edaily on Wednesday that the production team of the soon-to-be-released series “Hunting Dogs” has decided to “adjust the shooting schedule.” It also added that the release date may be postponed due to the investigation into Kim.

Kim has been cast to play a lead role in the series.

“The drama series is currently being filmed but [due to the current situation], the shooting schedule will be adjusted and after thorough discussion, we will announce what will happen to the release date,” Netflix Korea said.

On Wednesday morning, Kim was reported to have damaged more than three lampposts and several guard rails while driving under the influence of alcohol in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul. The car even crashed into an electric transformer, cutting off electricity in nearby cafes. The police caught Kim after receiving multiple reports of a vehicle “swaying precariously” at around 8 a.m. on Wednesday.

Kim was still driving despite crashing multiple times when she was stopped by the police. She failed a breathalyzer test and had her blood drawn for further analysis.

CCTV footage showing what appears to be Kim’s black SUV swaying dangerously on a street in Cheongdam-dong, was released by YTN and instantly began receiving criticism from commenters online. A cafe owner was interviewed by the news channel, complaining that she could not operate the cafe for three to four hours during the morning rush.

Kim is also due to appear in SBS television series “Trolley,” which is to begin airing in the second half of this year. SBS has not released an official statement on the issue.

BY YIM SEUNG-HYE [yim.seunghye@joongang.co.kr]