Yoon Ji-on Admits to Drunk Driving a Stolen Motorcycle, Vows to Accept All Punishment

Yoon Ji-on admitted to drunk driving charges.
He was immediately removed from his drama.
The police investigation is still ongoing now.

Actor Yoon Ji-on has found himself at the center of a serious scandal after being apprehended for driving under the influence (DUI). The situation is particularly severe as it involved him taking a motorcycle without permission while heavily intoxicated.

This reckless act has triggered immediate professional nsequences, leading to his abrupt removal from the upcoming Channel A drama ‘I Have a Baby,’ where he was currently filming. His representatives confirmed the news in an official statement on September 17th.

"After checking, it is true that actor Yoon Ji-on drove under the influence, and it is also true that he is leaving the new drama because of this."

The production team, which had already released scripts for the first six episodes and filmed scenes with Yoon Ji-on just last week, has been thrown into disarray, facing significant inconvenience due to his sudden departure.

Further complicating the actor's situation, it was simultaneously revealed that Yoon Ji-on is no longer under the management of a talent agency. His former agency, Eumhashtag, provided clarification on his current professional status

"Yoon Ji-on's exclusive contract with her former agency, Eumhashtag, was terminated on July 6th, and we were looking after her work until she found another agency," an official added.

This left the actor navigating his career independently at the time of the incident, without the immediate crisis management support an agency typically provides.

Yoon Ji-on Issues Full Personal Apology, Admitting to All Charges

Following the initial reports, Yoon Ji-on himself took to social media to speak up and accept full responsibility for his actions. In a lengthy and remorseful post, the 35-year-old actor did not make any excuses and provided clear details of the event that occurred on September 16th.

“First of all, I feel heavy-hearted and sorry to have to deliver such unfortunate news. On September 16th, I was so drunk that I couldn’t remember what had happened, and I committed the mistake of riding a motorcycle parked on the street without permission. I have since admitted to all charges and am currently assessing the extent of the damage," Yoon Ji-on admitted.

He expressed deep shame and regret for letting down his supporters and the industry professionals affected by his actions. He vowed to accept all the punishments.

“I am truly ashamed that my reckless actions have hurt and disappointed so many who supported me. I apologize. I will live my life in remorse, remaining vigilant to ensure that something like this never happens again. I will faithfully cooperate with any investigations that may be conducted and willingly accept any punishment that may be imposed. There is no room for excuses. I bow my head once again and apologize. I am sorry," Yoon Ji-on concluded.

Yoon Ji-on is a seasoned South Korean actor who debuted in a play in 2013. Over the past decade, he has built a respected filmography by taking on supporting roles in numerous high-profile television dramas. He gained wider recognition through appearances in major hits like ‘Goblin’, ‘Secret Forest’, ‘Mr. Sunshine’, ‘Sweet Home’, ‘Jirisan’, and ‘Tomorrow’. His most notable leading role was in the 2019 JTBC drama ‘Melo Is My Nature’. This recent DUI incident marks a significant and damaging stumble in a previously steady career, casting a shadow over his future in the entertainment industry.

There has been no further official investigation update from the police regarding the specific charges or potential penalties Yoon Ji-on will face. The actor has publicly stated his intention to 'faithfully cooperate with any future investigations', but the legal process is expected to unfold in the coming weeks.

Source: Chosun Biz, NAVER, OSEN