Iru Faces Drunk Driving Controversy Again... Other Singers and Actors Also Caught in Drunk Driving Scandals
[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Singer Iru has been booked by the police on charges of causing an accident while driving under the influence late at night. News of drunk driving incidents involving famous celebrities such as actors Kim Saeron and Kwak Do-won, and Shinhwa group member Shin Hyesung keeps resurfacing, disappointing their fans.
Iru was booked by the police for causing an accident while intoxicated around 11:25 p.m. on the 19th near Hannam Bridge to Dongho Bridge on the Gangbyeonbuk-ro road heading toward Guri. At the time of the drunk driving detection, Iru’s blood alcohol concentration was at a level corresponding to license suspension (between 0.03% and less than 0.08%).
A video presumed to be from the time of Iru’s accident was uploaded on the YouTube channel 'You & Village Seoul Cam.' The video shows a black vehicle driving in the far right lane suddenly moving quickly to the right, crashing into the central divider, and overturning. Although there were many other cars nearby, fortunately, no additional collisions occurred. However, severe traffic congestion ensued on the road after the accident.
Iru was previously booked on charges of drunk driving three months ago in September. At that time, Iru claimed that the passenger, not himself, was driving, and the police did not confirm Iru’s intoxication, resulting in the case being dismissed. However, the police later determined that the passenger had falsely testified about driving and sent Iru to the prosecution last month on charges of aiding a criminal.
On the 20th, Iru posted on Instagram admitting to drinking and apologized. He also added, "I will suspend all entertainment activities and take time for self-reflection."
News of celebrities’ drunk driving incidents has been reported several times this year. Actor Kim Saeron caused an accident in May in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, hitting guardrails and street trees multiple times while heavily intoxicated. Actor Kwak Do-won was caught by police after falling asleep while driving in Jeju in September at a level warranting license cancellation. Singer Shin Hyesung was arrested in October for driving another person’s vehicle while heavily intoxicated and refusing a breathalyzer test.
All three were found to have had passengers during their drunk driving incidents or had dropped off passengers at their destinations, which deepened fans’ disappointment. Iru was also found to have had a passenger at the time of the accident. Citizens expressed confusion, saying things like, "Why would they commit such a damaging drunk driving offense?" and "Why didn’t the passengers stop the drunk driving?"
Although awareness has increased compared to the past when drunk driving was more tolerated, there are still criticisms that the perception of it as a serious crime remains insufficient. Psychiatrist Son Seok-han analyzed in an interview with KBS2’s 'Yeonjung Plus,' "(Drunk driving) is likely to have become habitual and repetitive due to excessive confidence." He particularly pointed out, "There may be an imitation psychology where people think, ‘If a celebrity can do it, so can I,’ and a desensitization to drunk driving."
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