Actor Yoon Ji-on has left a production he was filming after being charged with drunk driving. As a result, the drama, for which a considerable amount of filming had already been completed, will undergo reshoots.
On the 17th, reports broke of Yoon Ji-on's drunk driving being detected. According to reports, Yoon Ji-on was recently caught for drunk driving and has left Channel A's new drama "A Baby Is Coming", which he was filming.
"A Baby Is Coming," based on a web novel of the same name, is a reverse romantic comedy drama about a speed-limit violation that occurs from a one-night escapade between two men and women who said there would be no marriage in this life, and it was scheduled to air next year with filming carried out since July. Yoon Ji-on, who played the role of Lee Min-wook in the original, had participated in filming until last week and had a schedule this week as well, but he left the production after the drunk driving fact came to light.
Later, Yoon Ji-on's side released an official statement saying, "It is true that actor Yoon Ji-on drove under the influence, and it is also true that he is leaving the new drama because of it." Channel A also said, "It is true that Yoon Ji-on has left 'A Baby Is Coming.'"
Conscious of the controversy, Yoon Ji-on deleted his social media account but posted a long message on the 17th and apologized. He admitted to drunk driving, saying, "On Sept. 16 I drank to the point that I cannot remember and committed the wrongdoing of taking and moving a motorcycle parked on the street without permission. I have since admitted all charges and am currently assessing the damage situation."
He bowed his head and apologized, saying, "I am truly ashamed for causing hurt and disappointment to many people who supported me through my thoughtless actions. I am sorry. I will remain vigilant and spend the rest of my life repenting so that this never happens again. I will faithfully participate in any future investigations and accept any sanctions imposed. There is no room for any excuse. Once again, I bow my head and apologize. I am sorry."
Yoon Ji-on made his debut in theater in 2013 and built his acting career by appearing in minor roles in dramas such as "Goblin," "Stranger," "Mr. Sunshine," and "Fox Bride Star." In 2019, while actor Oh Seung-yun, who was appearing as Lee Hyo-bong in the drama "Be Melodramatic," was booked on suspicion of aiding drunk driving and left the show, Yoon Ji-on was cast as his replacement and reshoots were carried out.
Using that opportunity to make his mark in serious roles as a supporting actor, Yoon Ji-on went from "Memorist," "Monthly House," "You Are My Spring," and "Jirisan" to starring roles in "Tomorrow," "Lies Are Useless," "Coincidence?", and "Love Next Door," rising rapidly as a lead actor and solidifying his position.
However, Yoon Ji-on, who had become known by standing in as a drunk-driving actor, now finds himself in the opposite position after causing a drunk-driving controversy six years later and leaving a production.
In fact, the production of "A Baby Is Coming" is currently looking for an actor to replace Yoon Ji-on. The character Lee Min-wook, played by Yoon Ji-on in the work, is a childhood friend of the protagonist Jang Hee-won (played by Oh Yeon-seo) and forms a love triangle with Kang Doo-joon (played by Choi Jin-hyuk). Because about two months of filming have already taken place and scripts up to episode 6 are completed, the role is too large to hide through editing, so the production company reportedly decided to reshoot despite substantial financial losses to ensure completeness.
Meanwhile, it was confirmed that Yoon Ji-on's exclusive contract with his agency Ieum Hashtag expired and he is currently working independently. Ieum Hashtag said, "The exclusive contract with Yoon Ji-on was terminated as of July 6, and since then we have been managing his work until he finds another company."
[Photo] OSEN DB
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