Lee Jae Ryong’s DUI hit‑and‑run ignites public outrage in Korea. Read the full story and latest updates now.
South Korea’s entertainment world was shaken last night when veteran actor Lee Jae Ryong, best known for his role in True Love, was arrested after a dramatic hit‑and‑run incident that left a highway median in ruins.
What happened on the night of March 8?
At approximately 11:30 p.m., CCTV footage aired by SBS’s 8 O’clock News captured Lee’s black sedan careening into a concrete barrier that separates the lanes of a major expressway. The impact shattered the median, scattering debris for dozens of metres.
Instead of staying at the scene, Lee drove away, later appearing in a side‑street where the front of the car was visibly damaged. He then returned to his residence, drove to a friend’s house, and was finally stopped by police the following morning.
Police findings
Rapid‑test drug screenings came back negative, but a breathalyzer taken at the time of arrest recorded a blood‑alcohol level that exceeds the legal limit, triggering an automatic suspension of his driver’s licence. Despite this, Lee told officers, “I was not drunk when I was driving.” Authorities are now reviewing the dash‑cam footage and other evidence to confirm the exact circumstances.
Why the public is outraged
The incident has reignited anger over Lee’s repeated run‑ins with the law. In March 2003, he was caught driving under the influence after colliding with a taxi, a case that led to the revocation of his licence. He initially denied responsibility and refused a breath test, only to confess after being taken to the police station.
More recently, in June 2019, Lee damaged a bowling‑alley sign in Gangnam while heavily intoxicated, causing about 500,000 won (≈ $350) in losses. That episode resulted in a suspended sentence for property damage and effectively ended his regular work with Korean producers.
Lee Jae Ryong’s career at a glance
- Born in 1964, Lee built a solid filmography that includes True Love, Brotherhood, Merchants of Joseon, and Bad Women Good Women.
- His last screen appearance was in the 2017 drama Chocolate, six years ago.
- Despite past successes, industry insiders have largely shunned him after the 2019 incident.
What’s next for Lee?
Legal experts say Lee could face a suspended jail sentence, heavy fines, and a permanent ban from driving. The entertainment community is watching closely, as any further punitive measures could set a precedent for how South Korean celebrities are held accountable for reckless conduct.
Stay tuned for updates as the investigation unfolds and legal proceedings progress.