Actor’s Suspected Drinking Issue Sparks Renewed Discussion on His Two DUI Convictions
Ahn Jae Wook is facing backlash after recent comments about drinking on a YouTube show—despite his history of two DUI convictions.
The controversy began on comedian Shin Dong Yup’s show Zzanbros, where Ahn shared drinks with Lee Jae Ryong, Yoon Da Hoon, and Sung Ji Ru. He said, “You can’t become a wreck just because you drink a lot.” When asked if he ever blacks out, he admitted, “I black out often.”
“Alcohol helps people socialize and laugh together. When I’m upset or going through a hard time, I try not to drink. In those moments, I’d rather stay home. I prefer drinking gatherings where we’re laughing.”
— Ahn Jae Wook
Soon after, netizens criticized Ahn for casually talking about drinking despite past DUIs in 2003 and 2019. After the 2019 incident, he resigned from projects and took a hiatus before returning with the play Misery, which already stirred debate.
What added fuel was his mention of brain surgery about 10 years ago, saying he couldn’t drink or smoke for 15 months. In 2013, Ahn underwent emergency surgery after a subarachnoid hemorrhage and made a dramatic recovery.
Fans and netizens slammed him for his tone on a drinking show, writing comments like:
“Has he still not learned to control his drinking?”
“If you’ve had brain surgery, you should take better care of your health.”
“How can he appear on a drinking show after DUI?”
“What is there to be proud of?”
Watch the full episode of Zzanbros with Ahn Jae Wook below: