Kwak Dowon Breaks Silence After 3 Years of Drunk Driving... "I Will Prove It Through My Life, Not Words"

"Before acting, I deeply reflected on what kind of attitude I should have as a person."

Actor Kwak Dowon (51) directly conveyed his apology to the public for the first time in about three years since causing a drunk driving incident in 2022. He had remained silent about the inconvenience caused to the industry due to the repeated delays in the release of his works, but he spoke out in line with the release of his leading role in the TVING original series 'Villains' (on the 18th).

On the 19th (local time), Kwak Dowon stated in an official statement, "I committed a serious mistake of drunk driving in 2022," and bowed his head, saying, "I sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt and disappointed by this."

◆ "I Asked Myself Daily If I Deserved It"... Late Apology

Kwak Dowon revealed that during his silence, he spent time constantly questioning himself whether he deserved to stand before people after the incident. He also acknowledged the delay in his apology. "I deeply apologize for not being able to apologize for my mistake earlier and for missing the timing to convey my position," he expressed regret.

This statement is interpreted as being conscious of the works that suffered significant damage due to his controversy. The film 'Firefighters', in which he played the lead role, completed filming in 2020 but was indefinitely postponed due to the aftermath of his drunk driving, and it finally met the audience in December last year (2024). The 'Villains', filmed in 2022, was also released on TVING on the 18th, two years later than scheduled.

◆ The Price of 0.158% Drunk Driving

In September 2022, Kwak Dowon was caught driving under the influence with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.158% (license revocation level) in Jeju Island. He was found asleep not only on the road but also inside a vehicle waiting at a traffic signal, causing a great shock. The court issued a summary order imposing a fine of 10 million won on him. This incident instantly shattered the reputation of the actor, who had built his career with films like 'The Wailing' and 'The Attorney', and placed a heavy burden on his colleagues who worked with him.

◆ "Rather Than Seeking Forgiveness, I Will Act"... Starting the Comeback

At the end of his statement, Kwak Dowon cautiously hinted at his intention to resume activities. He vowed, "Before my future activities, I will gradually prove my responsible attitude through actions that I have not shown until now," and added, "I will not seek forgiveness quickly but will prove it through my life, not words." It remains to be seen whether the released 'Villains' and his late repentance can serve as a stepping stone for his comeback amid the public's cold gaze.