Actor With Notorious DUI Record Detained Following Another Drunken Hit-And-Run

Lee Jae Ryong is facing fresh controversy over a DUI hit-and-run in Seoul.

The veteran actor crashed into a road median near Samseong Jungang Station on Seoul Subway Line 9 at around 2 AM on March 7, 2026 (KST). Instead of stopping, he fled the scene.

Police later found Lee had parked his car at home before going to a friend’s house. That’s where officers apprehended him.

A breathalyzer test showed Lee’s blood alcohol level was high enough to trigger a license suspension. The Gangnam Police Station is now investigating the incident.

Lee’s history with drunk driving is well known.

Back in March 2003, he caused an accident while under the influence. He refused a breathalyzer test at first after crashing into a taxi’s side. This happened while driving his wife Yoo Ho Jung’s Mercedes. He eventually admitted to drunk driving once taken to Gangnam Police Station.

Then, in June 2019, Lee faced another alcohol-related incident. He severely damaged a bowling alley sign in Gangnam while intoxicated, causing about ₩500,000 KRW (~$337 USD) in damages. This led to a suspended indictment for property damage.

Since that 2019 incident, Lee hasn’t appeared in any productions. His last work was the JTBC drama Chocolate.

Lee Jae Ryong and Yoo Ho Jung