Actor Ko Kyung Pyo has fallen from being a top variety show star to a “drunk driving troublemaker.”
On the morning of November 14th, his agency CL& Company issued an official statement saying, “We deeply apologize to those affected by Ko Kyung Pyo’s drunk driving accident.” They added, “Early this morning (14th), Ko Kyung Pyo was involved in a collision with a street sweeper while driving under the influence. The breathalyzer test confirmed his blood alcohol level was above the legal limit, resulting in license cancellation.”
They continued, “Ko Kyung Pyo has completed police questioning and returned home. He acknowledges his wrongdoing and is deeply remorseful.”
Furthermore, they stated, “We take the severity of drunk driving very seriously. We will humbly accept any penalties imposed and take full responsibility, including compensating those affected.”
Ko Kyung Pyo’s drunk driving scandal has caused a major crisis in the variety show industry. He was scheduled to appear in the ‘95 Seoul Music Festival segment on MBC’s Hangout with Yoo airing in the afternoon on the 14th. He also has a regular role on tvN’s variety show Sixth Sense: B-Side. Both programs, coincidentally, star the nation’s MC Yoo Jae Suk, making the situation especially problematic.
Top actor Park Bo Gum is also caught in the fallout. Ko Kyung Pyo was announced as a new cast member of tvN’s upcoming variety show The Village Barber 2, set to premiere on the 29th. However, due to the social controversy he has caused, there is no avoiding his complete removal from the show, which presents a critical risk even before the program has begun.
Adding to the headaches for production teams is the OTT platform TVING’s new original variety show Great Escape: Urban Legends, scheduled to premiere on December 2nd. Ko Kyung Pyo’s drunk driving scandal has left the staff struggling to manage the fallout.