In a move that has reignited discussions regarding celebrity accountability in South Korea, veteran actor Kwak Do Won has officially issued a comprehensive public apology concerning his driving under the influence (DUI) incident from 2022.
This formal statement, released on December 19, 2025, marks the first time in over three years that the actor has directly addressed the public about the controversy.
His words come at a pivotal moment, coinciding with the long-delayed release of his final project filmed before his hiatus, signaling a potential attempt to reconcile with an audience that has remained largely critical of his past actions.
Chronology of the 2022 Incident
To understand the weight of this apology, one must look back to September 2022, when Kwak Do Won was booked by authorities on suspicion of drunk driving.
The details of the arrest were particularly damaging to his reputation; his blood alcohol concentration was recorded at 0.158 percent.
In South Korea, this level is nearly double the 0.08 percent threshold required for the immediate revocation of a driver’s license.
The severity of the offense led to an instantaneous and total halt of his professional activities.
Kwak Do Won (Credit: YouTube)
Impact on the Drama “Villains”
The consequences of Kwak’s actions extended beyond his personal career to the production teams he worked with.
Specifically, the TVING original drama Villains—in which Kwak played a leading role—had already completed filming before the DUI occurred.
Following the scandal, the streaming platform was forced to indefinitely postpone the drama’s release, leaving the hard work of the cast and crew in limbo for years.
It was only on December 18, 2025, that TVING finally premiered the series.
The timing of Kwak’s apology, coming just one day after the show’s debut, suggests a calculated effort to take responsibility for the burden his actions placed on his colleagues and the platform.
Themes of Shame and Self-Reflection
In his heartfelt statement, Kwak Do Won admitted that the long delay in his apology was born out of fear and a deep sense of shame.
He confessed that he struggled to find the appropriate words to address the public because of the gravity of his wrongdoing.
During his three-year absence, Kwak claims to have undergone a period of intense self-reflection, questioning whether he had any right to remain in the public eye.
He noted that the things he once took for granted—his status and the public’s trust—were revealed to be fragile privileges.
He expressed deep regret for missing the “appropriate time” to apologize earlier, acknowledging that his silence may have added to the disappointment felt by his fans.
Moving Forward Without Shortcuts
Perhaps the most notable aspect of the apology is Kwak’s assertion that he is not seeking “quick forgiveness.”
He stated that he intends to prove his remorse through his future lifestyle and actions rather than just through words.
By emphasizing a “step-by-step” approach to rebuilding his sense of responsibility, he acknowledges that the road to redemption in the eyes of the public is long.
Whether this apology marks the beginning of a successful comeback or serves as a final closing chapter to his career remains to be seen, as the South Korean public continues to weigh the sincerity of his words against the years of silence.
In a disappointing turn of events for fans of the rising K-pop group NCT WISH , SM Entertainment officially announced on December 20, 2025, that member Ryo would be unable to participate in the live broadcast of the Melon Music Awards (MMA) 2025.
The announcement came on the very day of the prestigious ceremony, sparking concern across the group’s global fanbase.
According to the agency, Ryo began experiencing “flu-like symptoms,” which necessitated an immediate change in plans to prioritize his well-being and prevent any potential spread of illness among staff and fellow performers.
This sudden medical development meant that the group would appear as a five-member unit during the live portions of the event, including red carpet appearances and any live stage segments.
Pre-recorded Performances Offer a Silver Lining
Despite Ryo’s absence from the live venue at the INSPIRE Arena, SM Entertainment provided a significant consolation for “NCTzen” (the group’s fandom).
The agency revealed that the group’s main performance for the Melon Music Awards had actually been pre-recorded ahead of time.
Because this recording was completed while Ryo was still in good health, fans were still able to witness the full six-member choreography and vocal arrangement on screen during the broadcast.
NCT WISH Member Ryo (Credit: YouTube)
This proactive scheduling ensured that the creative vision of the group’s MMA stage remained intact and that Ryo’s hard work during the preparation phase would still be showcased to the millions of viewers tuning in worldwide.
SM Entertainment’s Commitment to Artist Health
In their official statement, SM Entertainment emphasized that Ryo is currently focusing entirely on resting and receiving the necessary medical attention to ensure a “speedy recovery.”
The agency was transparent about the situation, stating that while they regret the worry this news might cause fans, the health of their artists remains their top priority.
They also noted that if there are any further changes to Ryo’s upcoming schedule or if he needs an extended hiatus to recover fully, they will provide additional updates in a timely manner.
This move is consistent with the industry’s growing trend of prioritizing idol health over demanding schedules, a shift that has been largely supported by modern K-pop fans.
Impact on NCT WISH’s Year-End Activities
NCT WISH, the final sub-unit of the massive NCT brand, has had a whirlwind year in 2025, and the Melon Music Awards represent a significant milestone in their career.
Ryo’s sudden illness highlights the intense physical toll that the “awards season” can take on young performers, as year-end shows often require rigorous practice sessions and frequent travel.
As one of the group’s youngest and most vibrant members, Ryo’s presence in the live atmosphere was certainly missed by his teammates.
However, the group’s resilience and the availability of their high-quality pre-recorded stage allowed the ceremony to proceed with minimal disruption to the viewing experience.
Fandom Support and Future Outlook
Following the announcement, social media platforms were flooded with well-wishes for the young star.
The hashtag #GetWellSoonRyo trended as fans shared messages of support, urging him not to feel guilty about missing the live event.
The focus now shifts to his recovery timeline and whether he will be fit to join the group for other upcoming year-end festivities, such as the MBC Music Festival or various New Year’s Eve broadcasts.
For now, the successful airing of their MMA stage serves as a testament to the group’s collective talent, even as they navigate the unpredictable challenges that come with life as a global pop idol.
