[Road Traffic Authority YouTube]
[Road Traffic Authority YouTube]

Actor Ko Kyung-pyo has been embroiled in controversy after a drunk-driving accident, with his past role as a road traffic safety ambassador — during which he urged the public never to drink and drive — drawing renewed attention.

According to police, Ko drove his car while heavily intoxicated in Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul at around 3:30 a.m. Saturday, striking a garbage truck.

His blood alcohol level at the time was high enough to warrant license revocation, the investigation found. Ko returned home after completing police questioning.

After news of the accident broke, attention turned to Ko's work as a road traffic safety ambassador for the Road Traffic Authority in 2023.

In a promotional video from that period, Ko urged the public: "Safety first, safety second. Everyone, no drunk driving, no speeding. Drive courteously and drive safely."

Ko acknowledged the accident through his agency, CL&Company, and issued an apology. "We sincerely apologize to those who were harmed by Ko Kyung-pyo's drunk-driving accident," the agency said. "We will humbly accept any penalties handed down and do our utmost to make amends, including compensating those affected."


choigo@heraldcorp.com