Actor Yoon Ji-on Exits Drama Amid DUI Allegations, Reigniting Public Scrutiny

Actor Yoon Ji-on's admission to driving under the influence (DUI) and subsequent departure from the currently filming drama 'Baby Got a Baby' has reignited public disappointment and scrutiny over the repeated controversies surrounding celebrities and their responsibilities.

Yoon was apprehended on the 16th for operating a motorcycle while intoxicated, admitting to the charges and stating he was "so drunk I don't remember." The production of 'Baby Got a Baby,' which had already completed filming up to the 6th episode script, was forced into extensive reshoots despite significant financial losses. Industry insiders lament that while financial damages can be compensated, the shattered trust is difficult to mend.

This is not an isolated incident. In 2019, actor Ahn Jae-wook faced a driver's license suspension due to DUI, leading to his withdrawal from the musical 'Hero' and 'The Days,' along with numerous canceled broadcast appearances. He reflected on that period as an "unintentional time of self-reflection," describing the halt in income as feeling like a "dam bursting."

Similarly, actor Kwak Do-won was caught driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.158% in 2022 in Jeju. The incident, revealed two months later, drew harsher criticism, and his film 'Firefighter' had its release postponed, with his scenes eventually minimized. He also parted ways with his agency of several years following the scandal.

In 2020, actor Bae Seong-woo exited the SBS drama 'Delayed Justice' midway due to a DUI revelation. Actor Jung Woo-sung was urgently brought in to complete the series. Despite Bae's subsequent return in 'Road to Boston' and Netflix's 'The 8 Show,' public sentiment remained cold.

Yoon Ji-on's case underscores that DUI offenses extend beyond personal mistakes, harming numerous colleagues and staff and eroding public trust. When caught during active production, as in Yoon's situation, accusations of lacking "minimal responsibility as an actor" are inevitable.

Crucially, DUI is a crime that can endanger others' lives, demanding strong societal punishment and heightened awareness. Public anger is unlikely to subside soon, with netizens criticizing, "He failed to uphold basic societal conduct even before being a celebrity," and "Public figures must understand the weight of their actions." While some noted his immediate acknowledgment and apology as a slight positive, the overall public reaction is stern.

Yoon Ji-on's incident leaves us with the persistent question: "How much responsibility should an actor, and a public figure, truly bear?" This event clearly demonstrates the answer.

Yoon Ji-on gained significant attention after his debut in the 2019 drama 'Partners for Justice 2.' His next anticipated project, 'The End of the World,' has been put on hold due to the DUI incident. His future career prospects remain uncertain.