JTBC’s Idol-Led K-Drama Reported Over Problematic Scene—Prompts Official Response

JTBC’s new K-Drama Still Shining, starring idol-actors Park Jin Young of GOT7 and Kim Min Ju of IZ*ONE, has come under controversy for its depiction of drunk and hangover driving, prompting both a viewer complaint and an official response from the production team.

According to the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC), a civil complaint was filed regarding a scene in Episode 8 that appeared to portray drunk or hangover driving without clearly framing it as dangerous behavior.

The episode in question shows Bae Sung Chan (played by Shin Jae Ha) drinking with Mo Eun Ah (Kim Min Ju). During their conversation, he remarks, “I can’t drive anyway,” and “I’ll leave quietly at dawn once I sober up.” However, after spotting Yeon Tae Seo (Park Jin Young) at the scene, Bae Sung Chan abruptly gets behind the wheel and drives off.

The complainant criticized the scene for repeatedly presenting behavior that could be interpreted as drunk or hangover driving, arguing that it failed to clearly position such actions as something to be cautioned against. Instead, the moment was used primarily as a device to heighten narrative tension and emotional conflict.

The KCSC stated that it will review the complaint and determine whether to formally place the matter on its agenda following standard procedures.

As criticism grew, Still Shining issued an official statement addressing the controversy. The production team said, “We humbly accept the concerns raised and will take extra care to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.”

Still Shining follows the story of young individuals who once shared a world of their own as they grow into each other’s source of belief and guiding light. The drama premiered on March 6 with a 2.1% viewership rating but has since struggled, dropping to as low as 0.8%.