South Korean actor Go Kyung-pyo, best known for playing Sung Sun-woo in the hit drama ‘Reply 1988’, has come under scrutiny after allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and crashing his car into a street-cleaning truck in Seoul on 14 November.
The 36-year-old actor reportedly collided with the truck at around 3:30am in Donggyo-dong, Mapo district, while driving his personal vehicle. Police conducted a breathalyser test at the scene and found that his blood alcohol level exceeded South Korea’s legal limit for driving. A reading of 0.08 per cent or higher can lead to the revocation of a driving licence.
Following the incident, Go’s agency, CL&Company, issued a public apology and acknowledged the seriousness of his actions.
“We sincerely apologise to those affected by Go Kyung-pyo’s drunk-driving accident,” the agency said in a statement. It added that the actor had completed police questioning and returned home. He acknowledged his mistake and expressed deep regret over the incident.
The agency also said Go would accept any penalties and fulfil his responsibilities, including compensating those affected by the accident. It pledged to take greater care in managing its actors to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The controversy has already affected the actor’s television commitments. Two variety shows featuring him as a regular cast member have decided to reduce his screen time.
The production team of tvN’s ‘Sixth Sense: B-Side’ confirmed that it would minimise Go’s appearances in the November 15 episode and the upcoming finale. MBC has also reduced his screen time in the ‘95 MBC Seoul Music Festival’ special of ‘Hangout with Yoo’. The production team reportedly made last-minute edits before the programme’s broadcast.
The incident has also raised questions about Go’s upcoming projects. He is scheduled to appear in ‘The Village Barber 2’, which premieres on November 29, and ‘Great Escape: Urban Legends’, set for release on 2 December. His upcoming fan meeting has also drawn attention following the controversy.
Go gained widespread recognition for his role as Sung Sun-woo in ‘Reply 1988’, one of South Korea’s popular television dramas. He has since appeared in several television and film productions.
