Actor Previously “Canceled” Over DUI Officially Announces Comeback—Fans Flabbergasted

Back in September 2022, actor Kwak Do Won was arrested for driving under the influence and has since kept a low profile. Nearly three years later, though, amid a succession of scandals rocking the entertainment industry, he appears to be using the moment to make his return.

On December 19, 2025 (KST), Kwak Do Won released an official statement, addressing the fans for the first time since, noting that he was “afraid” and “deeply ashamed in the face of [his] wrongdoing,” which led to his belated acknowledgment of the incident.

Hello, this is Kwak Do Won. It took me a long time to write this. I was afraid, and I felt deeply ashamed. In the face of my wrongdoing, I found it difficult to bring myself to say anything. First, I would like to offer my deepest apologies once again to everyone who was hurt and disappointed by my actions.

In 2022, I committed a serious crime by driving under the influence. I sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt and disappointed as a result. Since that incident, I have spent a considerable amount of time reflecting on myself, repeatedly asking whether I even deserve to stand in front of people. During that period, in the quiet space where the world had moved on, I deeply contemplated how I should live as a person, even before being an actor. Only now have I realized that none of the things I once took for granted were ever truly guaranteed.

— Kwak Do Won

The actor apologized, but insisted that he had “spent a long time reflecting” and was now prepared to resume his activities. He promised not to seek forgiveness but to prove his worth with his actions.

Watching the projects released during that time, as well as the drama that had recently begun airing, gave me a lot to think about. I sincerely regret that I was unable to apologize for my wrongdoing earlier and that I missed the opportunity to share my thoughts.

Before resuming my activities, I intend to gradually prove through my actions the sense of responsibility I have not been able to show until now. I will not seek forgiveness hastily. I will prove myself not with words, but with how I live. Once again, I sincerely apologize to everyone I have disappointed. Thank you for reading this to the end.

— Kwak Do Won

The statement has left fans flabbergasted, as Kwak Do Won’s DUI once created serious setbacks for K-Drama and movie producers. As a result, the timing of his announcement is facing backlash, with many viewing it as “opportunistic” at best.

• “Ah. So now he thinks the time is right, huh?”
• “This is exactly why the K-Movie scene is failing. Instead of trying to discover new actors, they keep clearing the way for problematic ones, so people like this crawl back out.”
• “Who even is this?”
• “Thinking about it again, it’s still ridiculous. He stays silent all this time and only apologizes because he wants to start working again?”
• “F*ck off.”
• “This is why DUI should be punished by law with at least a 10-year ban.”

Kwak Do Won is reported to have driven about 7 miles (11 kilometers) under the influence before falling asleep behind the wheel while waiting at a traffic signal. Residents reported him and he was later issued a summary order of a ₩10.0 million KRW (about $7,180 USD) fine.

Read more:

Korean Movie Director’s Raw Honest Response To Lead Actor’s DUI That Jeopardized The Release