As actor Ko Kyung-pyo has declared a suspension of activities due to drunk driving, the film "Original x Rice Cake Shop," which has already completed filming, is also expected to face complications. In particular, as the work is known to be the feature-length debut of a rookie director, the damage to the production team is likely to be even greater.
According to StarNews and OSEN on the 16th, Showbox, the distributor of "Original x Rice Cake Shop," stated that it is "discussing how to respond" regarding the drunk driving controversy involving lead actor Ko Kyung-pyo.
Ko Kyung-pyo was involved in an accident around 3:30 a.m. on the 14th when he struck a street sweeper while driving his personal car in Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. At the time, a breathalyzer test revealed that Ko's blood alcohol concentration was 0.150%, significantly exceeding the 0.08% threshold for license revocation, according to reports.
Following the accident, Ko Kyung-pyo expressed his apology through his social media (SNS). He stated, "Taking the wheel after drinking is entirely my fault," adding, "I am even more sorry to those who worked with me on programs currently airing and those scheduled for release. I am truly sorry to the production teams and staff who trusted and invited me, as well as the colleagues who have been by my side."
He further added, "I will cooperate sincerely with the police investigation. I will take the necessary measures to recover from the damage caused by the accident and bear all responsibility in accordance with the disposition. I will suspend all scheduled activities. I will never forget the shame I feel toward myself over this incident and will live while holding onto myself."
Despite Ko Kyung-pyo's apology and declaration of activity suspension, the broadcasting programs he appeared in are struggling with follow-up measures. The production team for tvN's variety show "Sixth Sense: B-Side" announced that it would edit out Ko's appearances as much as possible.
It is known that deep deliberations are underway regarding response plans for other programs, including tvN's variety show "Amazing Saturday," where Ko appeared as a guest and completed recording, tvN's "Bo-gum Magical 2," which is set to premiere on the 29th, and Tving's original variety show "Great Escape: Urban Legends," scheduled for release on the 2nd of next month.
The fire has spread to the film industry as well. "Original x Rice Cake Shop," being prepared with a target release date next year, is the feature-length debut of director Kim Kyung-yoon, an alumnus of the Korea National University of Arts (K-Arts), and it has faced the unexpected setback of its lead actor's drunk driving. Since filming for the work has been completed, it may affect future plans such as the release schedule and promotion.
"Original x Rice Cake Shop" is a comedy film depicting events that unfold when Ahn Bok-ja (played by Ra Mi-ran), the owner of a rice cake shop, accidentally witnesses a drug deal. It is based on the French film "Paulette's Bizarre Bakery."
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