'Drunk Driving' Kim Sae-ron Returning? Filming Spotted at Topgol Park

Filming of Comeback Work Underway at Tapgol Park
"Appearance Confirmed... Difficult to Disclose Specific Details"
Activity Suspended Since Drunk Driving Incident in May 2022

Actor Kim Sae-ron, who hit a roadside tree and a transformer while driving under the influence in May 2022, attending the first trial sentencing hearing. [Source=Yonhap News]

Actress Kim Sae-ron, who was convicted of drunk driving and suspended her activities, is making a comeback.

According to a report by Hankook Ilbo on the 21st, Kim Sae-ron filmed a movie at Tapgol Park in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the same day. She participated in the shoot wearing a white dress with long straight hair and was reportedly cheerful throughout. She also acted opposite a male actor presumed to be a newcomer.

According to film industry insiders, the project is a low-budget film directed by Shin Jae-ho. Director Shin is the original creator of the movie "Donggam" and debuted as a director with "My Love Ssagaji," released in 2004. He has since directed films such as "Seoyugi Returns," "Wedding Scandal," "Avenger," "Extraterritoriality," "Showdown," and "In Dream." A source involved in the project stated, "It is true that Kim Sae-ron is appearing, but it is difficult to disclose specific details," and refrained from elaborating.

Previously, in May 2022, Kim Sae-ron was involved in an accident in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, while driving under the influence, hitting roadside trees and a transformer before fleeing the scene. The accident caused a power outage in the Apgujeong-dong and Sinsa-dong areas, resulting in local merchants being unable to process card payments and other damages. At the time, Kim Sae-ron's blood alcohol concentration was measured at 0.2%, exceeding the license cancellation level (0.08%). She was prosecuted for violating the Road Traffic Act and was fined 20 million won in the first trial in April last year. Subsequently, she issued an apology stating, "I committed a serious mistake while intoxicated," and "I should have acted more cautiously and responsibly, but I did not. I sincerely apologize," and suspended her activities. Later, she attempted a comeback through the play "Dongchimi" in April, but after controversy arose over the short period of self-reflection, she cited health reasons and announced her final withdrawal.