South Korean Actor Lee Jae-ryong Under Investigation for DUI and Hit-and-Run
South Korean actor Lee Jae-ryong, 62, has been summoned as a suspect by the Gangnam Police’s traffic investigation unit over a drunken-driving incident and a related hit-and-run, authorities said this week. He is accused of driving under the influence and leaving the scene after hitting a median barrier in Seoul’s Gangnam District.
Police say the crash occurred around 11 p.m. on the night of the 6th near Cheongdam Station in Cheongdam-dong. After the collision, the driver reportedly moved his vehicle, parked at a nearby residence, and joined a gathering with acquaintances where alcohol was consumed. A bottle of distilled liquor and two portions of a beef dish were linked to the gathering.
About three hours after the crash, Lee was arrested at a friend’s home. Initially, he denied DUI allegations, but in a later interview he reportedly acknowledged drinking four glasses of soju and driving, adding that he thought he had only lightly touched the central divider.
Police further indicated that on the 10th they were provided with an account in which Lee said he had only about one drink of distilled liquor in a beer glass and that the meeting had been pre-arranged; investigators have said they do not believe he attempted the so-called “drinking to evade” tactic at the scene.
Separately, the police are applying the so-called Withmark method to reconstruct Lee’s blood-alcohol concentration at the time of the crash. They also plan to question attendees to determine how the drinking session was arranged and conducted.
Under South Korea’s current Road Traffic Act, using alcohol or drugs to deliberately obstruct breath tests is punishable by one to five years in prison or a fine of 5 million to 20 million won. The clause was introduced after the Kim Ho-jung case and has been in effect since June last year.
Why this matters internationally: South Korea’s strict DUI regime and the new anti-evasion provisions reflect a broader push to strengthen road safety and enforce accountability, important for foreign visitors, expatriates, and multinational businesses operating in Korea. High-profile cases involving celebrities can shape public perception of Korea’s rule of law and impact the country’s culture, media scrutiny, and international image. For U.S. readers, the case underscores the importance of understanding Korea’s legal environment for travel, entertainment collaborations, and any operations that involve Korea’s rapidly growing media and entertainment industries. It also signals to investors and industry partners that enforcement in Korea is intensifying, with potential implications for corporate risk management and compliance when engaging in Korea.