In a move that has reignited discussions regarding celebrity accountability in South Korea, veteran actor Kwak Do Won has officially issued a comprehensive public apology concerning his driving under the influence (DUI) incident from 2022.
This formal statement, released on December 19, 2025, marks the first time in over three years that the actor has directly addressed the public about the controversy.
His words come at a pivotal moment, coinciding with the long-delayed release of his final project filmed before his hiatus, signaling a potential attempt to reconcile with an audience that has remained largely critical of his past actions.
Chronology of the 2022 Incident
To understand the weight of this apology, one must look back to September 2022, when Kwak Do Won was booked by authorities on suspicion of drunk driving.
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The details of the arrest were particularly damaging to his reputation; his blood alcohol concentration was recorded at 0.158 percent.
In South Korea, this level is nearly double the 0.08 percent threshold required for the immediate revocation of a driver’s license.
The severity of the offense led to an instantaneous and total halt of his professional activities.
At the time, Kwak was one of the most respected character actors in the industry, and the revelation of his conduct sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, leading to a “cancel culture” response that saw him removed from advertisements and future casting considerations.
Impact on the Drama “Villains”
The consequences of Kwak’s actions extended beyond his personal career to the production teams he worked with.
Specifically, the TVING original drama Villains—in which Kwak played a leading role—had already completed filming before the DUI occurred.
Following the scandal, the streaming platform was forced to indefinitely postpone the drama’s release, leaving the hard work of the cast and crew in limbo for years.
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It was only on December 18, 2025, that TVING finally premiered the series.
The timing of Kwak’s apology, coming just one day after the show’s debut, suggests a calculated effort to take responsibility for the burden his actions placed on his colleagues and the platform.
Themes of Shame and Self-Reflection
In his heartfelt statement, Kwak Do Won admitted that the long delay in his apology was born out of fear and a deep sense of shame.
He confessed that he struggled to find the appropriate words to address the public because of the gravity of his wrongdoing.
During his three-year absence, Kwak claims to have undergone a period of intense self-reflection, questioning whether he had any right to remain in the public eye.
He noted that the things he once took for granted—his status and the public’s trust—were revealed to be fragile privileges.
He expressed deep regret for missing the “appropriate time” to apologize earlier, acknowledging that his silence may have added to the disappointment felt by his fans.
Moving Forward Without Shortcuts
Perhaps the most notable aspect of the apology is Kwak’s assertion that he is not seeking “quick forgiveness.”
He stated that he intends to prove his remorse through his future lifestyle and actions rather than just through words.
By emphasizing a “step-by-step” approach to rebuilding his sense of responsibility, he acknowledges that the road to redemption in the eyes of the public is long.
Whether this apology marks the beginning of a successful comeback or serves as a final closing chapter to his career remains to be seen, as the South Korean public continues to weigh the sincerity of his words against the years of silence.
