[Lee Isul, Entertainment Reporter]
The fall of a rising star is regrettable.
On the evening of the 7th, around 11:20 PM, Hong Gijun was caught standing next to his car stopped in the middle of the road at Macheon Intersection in Songpa-gu, Seoul. According to the police's breathalyzer test, his blood alcohol concentration was at a level warranting license cancellation.
The police investigated Hong Gijun at the local precinct and then released him, but plan to summon him again to investigate the detailed circumstances of the drunk driving incident.
Later, his agency, Saram Entertainment, stated, "We are awaiting the next investigation," and added, "The actor is deeply reflecting on his actions."
They also apologized on behalf of the agency, saying, "We are sorry for causing trouble."
For an actor, a drunk driving controversy is a painful blow. Driving under the influence is an extremely dangerous act that threatens the lives of others. It is a crime that should never be committed for the safety of not only oneself but everyone. Therefore, such a mistake leaves a scarlet letter on the actor personally.
As a result, it seems unlikely that Hong Gijun will appear again in SBS's 'Hyena,' in which he is currently starring. Although the agency has stated that discussions are ongoing regarding his participation, a terrestrial broadcaster cannot continue to air performances by an actor who committed a drunk driving offense.
His future activities are also uncertain. Born in 1978, Hong Gijun is a 43-year-old actor this year. He debuted in 2004 with the film 'Texas, The Lips of a Newlywed Couple Avoiding Summer Fornication,' but it has not been long since he became well-known.
Previously, Hong Gijun appeared in 'Operation Chromite' (2016) and 'The King's Case Note' (2016), gaining attention for his role in 'The Outlaws' (2017).
Later, in 'The Divine Move 2: The Wrathful' (2019), he made a strong impression with intense action and a chilling character that did not lose to Kwon Sang-woo in their confrontation. He portrayed the deadly weapon "Hook Eye," a killer who uses a knife to kill people, leaving a lasting impression. Through numerous recently released films, he established his name with solid acting skills.
He recently gained significant attention through the SBS drama 'Stove League,' which just ended. In the series, he played Jang Jin-woo, the veteran pitcher who holds the center of the baseball team Dreams, drawing praise for looking like a real baseball player and gaining popularity. The drama ended with a remarkable viewership rating close to 20%, receiving a warm response.
After finishing 'Stove League,' Hong Gijun joined the filming of SBS's 'Hyena.' The drama, produced partially in advance, is currently in its final stages of shooting. However, his activities, which should have accelerated with momentum, have come to a halt.
It is unfortunate that Hong Gijun’s drunk driving, a single painful mistake, has caused the collapse of the tower he built with great effort.
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