Actor Ko Kyung-pyo (36) announced a suspension of activities following a drunk driving accident, prompting renewed attention on his previously disclosed drinking capacity and habits.
Ko appeared on the YouTube channel "Jip Daesung" of BIGBANG member Daesung in June 2024, where he revealed his drinking habits.
At the time, Ko shared his philosophy on drinking, saying, "It's enough if you feel good when you look back the next day. I think it just needs to be like, 'Yesterday was fun, enjoyable, and great.'"
He then said, "There are times when you're out drinking and feeling drained, right? There are moments when being around people is exhausting," adding that he goes to the restroom to recite a mantra to himself in those situations.
He confessed, "I go to the bathroom alone and say, 'What are you doing, [Name]? Hey, you're really doing well. Open your eyes wide. You can snap out of it. It's okay if you go out now,' and then I leave."
He added, "After doing that, I'm fine for about 10 minutes. Ten minutes later, I'm dead."
In an interview at the time of attending the 68th Cannes International Film Festival for the 2015 film "Chinatown," Ko revealed his drinking capacity, stating, "It varies depending on the situation, but about four to five bottles of soju," and adding, "I've noticed that my tolerance increases when I gain weight."
Regarding his usual personality versus how he acts when drunk, he once said, "My actual personality is quite wild. I'm the type who causes trouble for inanimate objects when I drink."
Ko hit a sanitation truck while driving his personal car around 3:30 a.m. on the 14th in the Donggyo-dong area of Mapo-gu, Seoul.
A breathalyzer test conducted at the scene revealed that his blood alcohol concentration exceeded the threshold for license revocation. There were no passengers, and Ko underwent the breathalyzer test at the scene before going home.
Upon news of the accident, his agency CLE Company stated, "We deeply apologize to those who suffered damages due to Ko Kyung-pyo's drunk driving accident. We also sincerely apologize for disappointing and worrying everyone who trusted and supported actor Ko Kyung-pyo."
The agency continued, "We are taking the seriousness of the wrongdoing of drunk driving very seriously, will humbly accept any subsequent disciplinary actions, and will fulfill our responsibilities, including recovering from the damages incurred."
Subsequently, Ko apologized, saying, "First, I apologize once again to those who were working in the early morning hours and were put in danger and startled by my driving. It is entirely my fault for getting behind the wheel after drinking."
He added, "I will cooperate sincerely with the police investigation. I will take the necessary measures to recover from the damages caused by the accident and bear all responsibility according to the disciplinary actions. I will suspend all scheduled activities." He then bowed his head, saying, "I am even more sorry to those who worked together on programs currently airing and those scheduled for release."
Due to Ko's drunk driving, the MBC variety show "What Are You Doing?" broadcast on the 14th underwent emergency editing, removing Ko's solo segments and leaving only his appearances in group scenes.
In the tvN variety show "Sixth Sense: B-Side" broadcast on the 15th, a significant portion of Ko's individual segments was edited out, though he appeared briefly in some group scenes.
The tvN series "Bo Geum Magical 2," scheduled for release on the 29th, and the TVING original "Great Escape: Urban Legends," scheduled for release on December 2, will also undergo re-editing to adjust Ko's appearance segments.
Ko debuted in the KBS2 youth drama "Jungle Fish 2" in 2010 and has appeared in dramas such as "Potato Star 2013QR3," "Reply 1988," "Goddess of Revenge," "D.P. Series," and "Undercover Miss Hong," as well as films like "Decision to Leave."
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