Actor Formerly “Canceled” for DUI Officially Returns—Fans Stunned
Kwak Do Won is facing major backlash after revealing plans to resume activities nearly three years after his DUI arrest.
The controversy began back in September 2022 when Kwak Do Won was caught driving under the influence. He kept a low profile since then, but on December 19, 2025 (KST), the actor broke his silence with an official statement.
Kwak admitted he was “afraid” and “deeply ashamed” about his actions. He apologized but insisted he spent a long time reflecting on himself. Now, he says he is ready to come back and “prove [his] worth with [his] actions,” adding he will “not seek forgiveness hastily.”
“Hello, this is Kwak Do Won. It took me a long time to write this. I was afraid, and I felt deeply ashamed. In the face of my wrongdoing, I found it difficult to bring myself to say anything. First, I would like to offer my deepest apologies once again to everyone who was hurt and disappointed by my actions.”
“In 2022, I committed a serious crime by driving under the influence. I sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt and disappointed as a result. Since that incident, I have spent a considerable amount of time reflecting on myself, repeatedly asking whether I even deserve to stand in front of people. During that period, in the quiet space where the world had moved on, I deeply contemplated how I should live as a person, even before being an actor. Only now have I realized that none of the things I once took for granted were ever truly guaranteed.”
“Watching the projects released during that time, as well as the drama that had recently begun airing, gave me a lot to think about. I sincerely regret that I was unable to apologize for my wrongdoing earlier and that I missed the opportunity to share my thoughts.”
“Before resuming my activities, I intend to gradually prove through my actions the sense of responsibility I have not been able to show until now. I will not seek forgiveness hastily. I will prove myself not with words, but with how I live. Once again, I sincerely apologize to everyone I have disappointed. Thank you for reading this to the end.”
— Kwak Do Won
The timing of the comeback sparked an uproar. Many fans called it “opportunistic” given a wave of recent scandals in the industry.
Top comments include:
- “Ah. So now he thinks the time is right, huh?”
- “This is exactly why the K-Movie scene is failing. Instead of trying to discover new actors, they keep clearing the way for problematic ones, so people like this crawl back out.”
- “Who even is this?”
- “Thinking about it again, it’s still ridiculous. He stays silent all this time and only apologizes because he wants to start working again?”
- “F*ck off.”
- “This is why DUI should be punished by law with at least a 10-year ban.”
Kwak reportedly drove about 7 miles (11 kilometers) under the influence before falling asleep behind the wheel at a traffic signal. Locals reported him, and Kwak was fined ₩10.0 million KRW (about $7,180 USD).
Watch the Korean movie director’s honest response to Kwak Do Won’s DUI controversy that jeopardized a release:
Source: Sports Seoul, theqoo