South Korean actor Lee Jae-ryong faces breath-test obstruction charge in DUI case

South Korean actor Lee Jae-ryong has had an additional charge added by the Seoul Gangnam Police, who say he attempted to delay a drunk-driving breath test after a collision. The police added a charge of obstruction of breath testing under the Road Traffic Act.

The incident dates to the night of the 6th, when Lee was driving near Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, and struck a median barrier, then left the scene without taking responsibility at the time, according to investigators.

After the crash, police say Lee parked his car at his Cheongdam-dong home and later rejoined friends at a nearby restaurant. The group reportedly ordered a bottle of liquor and two portions of a beef dish during that gathering.

Authorities allege Lee attempted to drink more alcohol at the restaurant in an effort to avoid or delay a breathalyzer test, which formed the basis for the added obstruction charge.

Lee was apprehended in the early hours of the 7th at a friend’s home. At the time of the arrest, his blood alcohol concentration was described by police as within the license-suspension range (0.03%–0.08%).

In a police interview on the 10th, Lee said he had consumed four bottles of soju before driving and that he believed he had only lightly touched the central divider. He denied the obstruction charge, while acknowledging the DUI.

Lee has a prior DUI history from 2003 in Gangnam, where he reportedly had his license canceled after refusing a breathalyzer test.

Why this matters beyond Korea: high-profile DUI cases underscore Korea’s strict enforcement of drunk driving and its effects on celebrities, media production, and corporate endorsements. For U.S. readers, the case highlights ongoing global expectations for accountability in public figures, potential reputational and sponsorship risks for Korean film and television projects, and the cross-border interest in Korea’s entertainment industry. It also reflects how Korea’s road-safety laws are implemented and communicated in high-profile cases, which can influence public policy and international perceptions of Korea’s regulatory environment.