Drinking is a big part of South Korean culture. However, driving under the influence is seen as a serious crime. DUIs cause many accidents, injuries, and deaths each year. Many K-pop idols have lost their careers after getting caught. Here are 5+ male K-Pop idols who left their groups after drunk driving incidents…
1. Former Super Junior member Kangin
Kangin crashed into two taxis in October 2009. He ran away but later turned himself in. His blood alcohol was over the legal limit. He paid a fine of ₩8.00 million KRW (about $5,880 USD) for this drunk driving accident.
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Years later, he made the same mistake again. In May 2016, Kangin hit a light pole while drunk. He fled the scene but later turned himself in. This time he paid a fine of ₩7.00 million KRW (about $5,150 USD). After a long hiatus, he officially left Super Junior in 2019.
2. Former Coed School member Cha Joo Hyuk (formerly known as Kangho)
Cha faced serious legal trouble in 2016. He was charged with breaking the Narcotics Control Act. The court gave him one year and six months in prison. He used marijuana, ketamine, and ecstasy multiple times in Korea and the Netherlands. He also smuggled drugs and connected people to drug sellers.
On October 30, 2016, Cha hit three pedestrians while driving drunk. This made his legal situation even worse.
A detective stated in September 2017: “Cha used many types of drugs including psychoactive drugs and marijuana. He did this many times, so he might be addicted. He seems to have tried getting treatment. We think he should be kept away from drugs for some time.”
Cha finished his prison sentence and was released on December 14, 2018.
3. Former AB6IX member Lim Youngmin
Police caught Lim Youngmin driving drunk on May 31, 2020. Just over a week later, on June 8, his company announced he was leaving the group.
Brand New Music released a statement: “After talks with Lim Youngmin, he will no longer be part of AB6IX. He doesn’t want to harm the group. We apologize to concerned fans and those working on the group’s promotions. AB6IX will continue as a 4-member group. We will support them fully. We’re sorry for disappointing our fans. We’ll work hard to bring back AB6IX with better music and performances.”
4. Former Shinhwa member Shin Hyesung
Shin Hyesung’s first DUI happened in April 2007. His blood alcohol level was 0.097 percent. This was above the 0.08 percent limit for license suspension.
His second DUI occurred in October 2022. Police found him sleeping in what was reportedly a stolen car. He refused to take a breathalyzer test.
LiveWorks Company stated: “Shin Hyesung met with friends at a Gangnam restaurant around 11 PM on October 10. He got car keys from valet parking, stopped on the road, and fell asleep. Police arrested him when he refused a breathalyzer test. There’s no excuse for driving drunk in a vehicle he didn’t know wasn’t his. We deeply apologize and will update everyone when we know more.”
He could face 6 months to 2 years in prison for this DUI.
5. Former DKB member Teo
Teo left DKB in November 2023 after a drunk driving incident in October. The police took away his driver’s license. His company made it clear his actions were unacceptable.
Brave Entertainment released a statement: “We apologize for sharing bad news with DKB fans. On October 30, Teo was caught drunk driving and lost his license. We told him drunk driving is never acceptable. After talking with him, we accepted his wish to leave the group to avoid harming it. Teo is reflecting on his immature behavior. We take this issue seriously. We’ll better manage and educate our artists. DKB will continue as an eight-member group. Please support the members who are working hard despite this situation.”
6. Former VICTON member Heo Chan
Police caught Heo Chan driving under the influence in September 2022. He had been drinking with friends. He lost his driver’s license and stopped all activities with VICTON.
IST Entertainment stated: “Our artist Heochan was caught driving under the influence on September 20 after meeting friends. He’s sorry and is cooperating with police. His license will likely be revoked. Heochan deeply regrets his actions and apologizes to fans and everyone affected. He will suspend all individual and group activities starting now.
We’re sorry to worry fans with this sudden news. We’ll work to prevent similar incidents. VICTON’s October 15-16 fan concert and future events will proceed with 5 members. We apologize again for this shameful incident.”