Singer Iru. [Herald Muse]
Singer Iru. [Herald Muse]

Singer Iru, who drew public criticism over a drunk-driving incident, has spoken about his return to television.

On Tuesday, Iru posted photos from his comeback performance on Instagram, writing, "It was a cautious and nerve-wracking stage, as it had been a long time since I last stood on one."

"It was meaningful and I was grateful to be able to show my mother my face on screen once again," he added. "I was happy and joyful with the support and encouragement of so many people. Thank you again."

Iru made his broadcast return Monday on TV Chosun's "Joseon's Romantics" fifth-anniversary singing special, performing "Okgyeongi," a hit song by his father, singer Tae Jin-a. Tae Jin-a also appeared on stage for a joint performance with his son.

In December 2022, Iru was booked by police after striking a curb while driving drunk on Seoul's Gangbyeonbuk-ro. His blood alcohol level at the time was high enough to warrant a license suspension.

It later emerged that he had also been booked on the same charges in September 2022, three months before that accident. At the time, Iru claimed a passenger had been driving, and the drunk-driving charge was not forwarded to prosecutors. Police determined the statement was false and referred the passenger to prosecutors on charges of switching drivers.

In June 2023, a court of first instance sentenced Iru to six months in prison, suspended for one year, and a fine of 100,000 won ($66). An appeals court upheld the same sentence in March 2024.


dbsdn1110@heraldcorp.com