Kwak Do-won Announces Return with Official Statement

Kwak Do-won puts an end to his three years of reflection.

Actor Kwak Do-won announced his position on December 19. He was caught driving under the influence on September 5, 2022, and has since suspended all activities except for projects that were already completed. The statement he released this time includes an apology for the controversy caused by his DUI and a promise of responsibility moving forward.

Kwak Do-won stated, "I committed a serious mistake of driving under the influence in 2022. I sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt and disappointed because of that incident," and added, "Since that incident, I have spent countless times reflecting on whether I deserve to stand in front of people. (...) I have now realized that everything I took for granted was never a given."

He continued, "Before my future activities, I want to gradually prove my responsible side through actions that I have not shown until now. I will not seek forgiveness quickly. I will prove it through my life, not words," expressing his commitment to take clear responsibility for his future activities. He is currently awaiting the release of the drama 〈Villains〉 that he filmed before being caught for DUI.

Below is the full text of Kwak Do-won's statement.

Hello, this is Kwak Do-won.

It took a long time for me to write this.

I had fear, and I felt great shame, and I could not easily say anything in front of my mistakes.

First of all, I would like to deeply apologize once again to everyone who was hurt and disappointed because of my mistakes.

I committed a serious mistake of driving under the influence in 2022. I sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt and disappointed because of that incident.

Since that incident, I have spent countless times reflecting on whether I deserve to stand in front of people. During the quiet times, I deeply contemplated what attitude I should have as a person before being an actor. I have now realized that everything I took for granted was never a given.

While watching the works that were released during that time and the drama that recently started airing, I have thought a lot. I sincerely regret not being able to apologize for my mistakes sooner and missing the timing to convey my position.

Before my future activities, I want to gradually prove my responsible side through actions that I have not shown until now. I will not seek forgiveness quickly.

I will prove it through my life, not words.

I sincerely apologize once again to everyone I have disappointed.

Thank you for reading this to the end.