Korean actor Go Kyung-pyo (고경표) was involved in a drunk driving accident on November 14, when his car collided with a sanitation vehicle in Seoul's Mapo District in the early morning. Police reported his blood alcohol content (BAC) at 0.150%, significantly exceeding Korea's license revocation standard of 0.08%. The accident resulted in injuries, with a sanitation worker in his 60s experiencing pain from the impact. Though no visible external injuries were apparent, the worker plans to seek medical examination. Following a day of public scrutiny, Go Kyung-pyo personally posted an apology on social media today, November 15, admitting to drunk driving and announcing the suspension of all his scheduled activities.
According to Korean media reports, the accident occurred around 3:30 a.m. on November 14. Go Kyung-pyo was driving his car in the Donggyo-dong area of Mapo District when it collided with a sanitation vehicle. The struck vehicle belonged to a private sanitation company contracted by the Mapo District Office. The 60-year-old employee, who was in the driver's seat, experienced bodily pain due to the impact. In addition to the personal injury, parts of the sanitation vehicle were damaged, though the extent of the damage is currently understood to be minor.
Following the accident's disclosure, Go Kyung-pyo's agency immediately acknowledged the drunk driving incident and issued a public apology. They expressed deep regret to those harmed by the accident and extended apologies to the public who have trusted and supported Go Kyung-pyo. The agency stated that Go Kyung-pyo has admitted his mistake and is deeply reflecting. He will cooperate with the police investigation, accept the relevant penalties, and take full responsibility for all damages caused by the accident.
The day after the accident, on November 15, Go Kyung-pyo personally posted an apology on social media. He confessed to driving after drinking alcohol in the early hours of November 14, leading to the collision with the sanitation vehicle, and stated that his blood alcohol content had exceeded the standard for license revocation.
In his post, Go Kyung-pyo apologized to those involved in the accident, stating, “First, I apologize again to those who were put in danger and startled by my driving. It was entirely my fault to get behind the wheel after drinking.” He also specifically mentioned his past public advocacy against drunk driving, expressing greater self-reproach for having contradicted his own words.
“I, who once told everyone not to drive drunk, have now gone against my own words. My actions could have seriously harmed someone, which is an extremely irresponsible act,” Go Kyung-pyo confessed, admitting that this incident has led him to deeply reflect on his behavior.
In addition to apologizing to the accident victims, he also extended his apologies to his fans and viewers who have supported him. Go Kyung-pyo revealed that he had been in a period of contemplating his acting career, finding strength through variety shows and interactions with those around him. He cherished his daily work, and was dismayed that his erroneous actions had caused worry and disappointment to his supportive fans.
He expressed deep regret to his long-time fans, those who waited to meet him, and all viewers of his works and programs.
Regarding his future entertainment activities, Go Kyung-pyo officially announced, “All scheduled activities will be suspended.” He also pledged to cooperate honestly with the police investigation, take necessary measures to compensate for the damages caused by the accident, and accept the relevant penalties. “I will take full responsibility,” he affirmed.
Police are currently continuing to investigate the detailed circumstances of the accident and Go Kyung-pyo's responsibility for drunk driving. With reports of the sanitation vehicle driver's injury and Go Kyung-pyo's announcement of a complete suspension of his scheduled activities, the potential further impact on his acting career has become a focus of public attention.
