Kwak Do-won, who had suspended activities amid a drunk driving controversy, issued a personal statement and expressed apology for the first time in three years. At the same time he declared his return as an actor and emphasized, "I will prove it through my life, not words."
In September 2022, Kwak Do-won was caught by police after drinking and driving, causing a stir. At the time, the Jeju Western Police Station referred Kwak Do-won to the prosecution on charges of drunk driving (violation of the Road Traffic Act), and also handed over a man in his 30s, identified as A, who was riding with him, to the prosecution on charges of aiding drunk driving despite knowing about it (aiding drunk driving).
It was confirmed that Kwak Do-won left a bar in Geumnung-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeju City, at about 4 a.m. and gave a ride in his SUV to an acquaintance in his 30s, A, who had been drinking with him. Afterwards, after dropping A off nearby, he fell asleep in the car while waiting at a signal on a road in Aewol-eup, and was caught by police following a resident's report that the vehicle's driver seemed to have been drinking. His blood alcohol concentration was 0.158%, about twice the license-cancellation level (0.08%).
In April 2023, the Jeju District Prosecutors' Office filed a summary indictment against Kwak Do-won, who had been referred to the prosecution on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act, and imposed a fine of 10 million won.
Kwak Do-won, who had built a friendly public image by showcasing life in Jeju on films, dramas and the MBC variety show I Live Alone, saw that image fall after the drunk driving incident and entered a period of reflection and self-restraint. The backlash from the drunk driving incident delayed the release of the leading film Firefighter, and although he was spared complete removal, colleagues and directors carried the "Kwak Do-won issue" like a stigma. In addition, the TVing original Villains, which was released a day earlier, was indefinitely postponed because of the Kwak Do-won controversy and has only now seen the light. Causing huge damage to a work created by hundreds of people because of one person's mistake cannot help but be seen as a public nuisance.
Meanwhile, Kwak Do-won delivered a personally written apology to the press this morning (the 19th), his first in three years, drawing attention.
He opened up, saying, "It took me a long time to write this. I felt fear, I felt deep shame, and faced with my wrongdoing I could not easily find any words. First, I would like to once again offer my deep apologies to all those who were hurt and disappointed because of my wrongdoing."
He continued, "In 2022 I committed the serious wrongdoing of drunk driving. I sincerely apologize to all those who were hurt and disappointed because of that." He reflected, "Since that incident I have spent countless times asking myself whether I deserve to stand before people, looking back at myself. During the time when the world quieted down, I deeply considered what kind of attitude I should live with as a person before acting. I have come to realize that all the things I took for granted were never guaranteed."
He added, "Watching the works that were released during that time and the drama that recently began airing, I thought a lot. I am truly sorry for not apologizing earlier and for missing the right time to present my position." He promised, "Before resuming activities, I intend to steadily prove through actions a responsible image I have not shown so far. I will not try to seek forgiveness quickly. I will prove it through my life, not words."
Finally, Kwak Do-won bowed his head again, saying, "I sincerely apologize once more to everyone I disappointed. Thank you for reading this to the end."
Regarding Kwak Do-won's statement, an aide told OSEN, "People may have been surprised by the sudden apology, but this was not issued because of a recent new incident or accident," adding, "He had wanted to apologize to the public for some time, but because he does not use personal social media such as Instagram or Facebook, there was no way for him to convey his feelings. With no channel to apologize, he agonized for a long time and finally wrote a heartfelt piece and delivered the statement to the press this time."
In fact, although there were several opportunities, people wonder why he apologized and released a statement now, three years later. The fact that his leading role in Villains was released also reportedly had an influence.
After the drunk driving controversy, the 2024 film Firefighter was released, and the TVing series Villains opened on the 18th. Even though Kwak Do-won's name was excluded during Villains' promotions, the drunk driving controversy kept resurfacing, and the burden of causing inconvenience to fellow actors who worked hard for the project was also reported to be a factor.
Kwak Do-won, who had suspended activities for nearly three years, has effectively declared his return. Attention is focusing on how he will win back the still-cold public sentiment.
[photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]