Actor Kwak Do-won charged with drunk driving

Actor Kwak Do-won [MADA ENTERTAINMENT]

Actor Kwak Do-won has been charged with drunk driving after falling asleep in his vehicle in the middle of a road on Jeju Island, according to the Jeju Seobu Police Station on Sunday.

The actor, whose real name is Kwak Byung-kyu, was found asleep in his vehicle by police near Eoeum Elementary School in Aewol-eup, Jeju. The police received a report that a car was stopped in the middle of the road and discovered the sleeping actor in said vehicle.

The police speculate that Kwak fell asleep while waiting for the traffic lights to change.

According to the police, Kwak was awakened and followed the police officers’ instructions and underwent a breathalyzer test, which showed that his blood alcohol level was 0.08 percent — which warrants his driver’s license to be revoked.

The actor reportedly told police officers that he had driven approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Hallip-eup to Aewol-eup.

“Fortunately, it did not lead to any accidents,” said the police. “He will be called in again later for further investigation of details.”

Kwak’s agency Mada Entertainment also issued a statement on Sunday.

“We give our sincerest apologies that such disgraceful thing happened,” the agency stated. “Regardless of the reason, Kwak and the agency feel heavy responsibility. We are sorry for causing concern to those who have been supporting Kwak, and apologize once again for causing trouble.”

Kwak debuted in 1992 and is best known for his roles in films “ Steel Rain2: Summit” (2020), “The Golden Holiday” (2020) and “Never Give Up” (2022). The film “The Firefighters” starring Kwak is set to hit local theaters some time this year.

The actor currently resides on Jeju Island.

BY HALEY YANG [yang.hyunjoo@joongang.co.kr]