Actor Yoon Ji-on Exits Drama 'Accidental Birth' Following DUI Arrest; Reshoots Inevitable

Actor Yoon Ji-on has been removed from the upcoming Channel A drama 'Accidental Birth' (literal translation) after being caught driving under the influence.

The news broke on the 17th, casting a shadow over the production. With filming already underway and scripts for up to episode 6 completed, Yoon's departure necessitates extensive reshoots, posing a significant financial and logistical challenge for the production team.

'Accidental Birth' is a reverse romantic comedy based on a web novel of the same name, depicting the story of a man and woman who unexpectedly conceive a child after a one-night stand, despite their initial disinterest in marriage. Filming commenced in July with a target broadcast next year.

Yoon was slated to play Lee Min-wook, the childhood friend of the female lead Jang Hee-won (played by Oh Yeon-seo) and a pivotal character in the love triangle with the male lead Kang Doo-joon (played by Choi Jin-hyuk). His role was central to the plot, making his exit particularly damaging given the substantial amount of footage already shot.

Following the controversy, Yoon issued a public apology via his social media. He admitted, "On September 16th, I committed the grave mistake of taking a parked motorcycle without permission while intoxicated and unable to recall the events." He added, "I admit to all charges and am currently assessing the extent of the damage. I sincerely apologize for causing pain and disappointment to those who supported me." He concluded by stating, "There are no excuses. I will live the rest of my life in penitence."

However, public reaction has been largely unforgiving. While some acknowledge his immediate admission of guilt, many criticize his lack of professional responsibility and the considerable damage inflicted upon the cast and crew. Industry insiders express concern that the production schedule could be delayed by several months, placing a heavy burden on both the production and the audience.

Yoon Ji-on made his debut in the 2018 short film 'Dawn'. He has since appeared in dramas such as 'My Holo Love' and 'Drama Special - Woman of 9.9 Billion', steadily building his acting portfolio. 'Accidental Birth' was anticipated to be a significant step in his career, elevating him to a leading role, but the DUI controversy has overshadowed this potential.