Actor Ko Kyung-pyo apologizes for drunk driving: 'An irresponsible act'

Actor Ko Kyung-pyo, who is under police investigation for drunk driving, said he will suspend all scheduled activities.

Ko posted a lengthy apology on his social media account Sunday, saying he would take full responsibility for the accident.

"My blood alcohol level at the time exceeded the threshold for license revocation," Ko wrote. "I want to again apologize first to those who were working in the early hours of the morning and were put in danger and startled by my driving. Getting behind the wheel after drinking was entirely my fault."

"I had told people not to drink and drive, and I broke that pledge myself," Ko added. "It was an irresponsible act."

Ko said he had found each working day recently to be a source of joy and gratitude, making his regret over the incident all the deeper. "That is why I feel even more sorry to those who worked with me on the program currently airing and the one about to be released," he wrote.

"There are people who now have to re-edit scenes we filmed together laughing, and who must suddenly make difficult decisions about schedules they prepared for a long time — all because of my mistake," Ko wrote. "I am truly sorry to the producers and staff who trusted and cast me, and to the colleagues who stood by my side. I caused great worry and disappointment to those who had given me so much encouragement. I am furious at myself for what I did, but rather than dwelling on that feeling, I want to apologize again in my own words to those who were shocked and hurt by my actions."

Ko said he would cooperate fully with the police investigation, take all necessary steps to address the harm caused by the accident, and accept whatever punishment is handed down. "I will suspend all scheduled activities," he wrote. "I will never forget the shame I feel toward myself over this matter, and I will live holding myself accountable."

Ko also clarified that the object he was seen hastily hiding in video footage when police arrived was his car key.

Earlier, at around 3:30 a.m. Saturday in Dongyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Ko drove a passenger car while intoxicated and struck a garbage truck whose crew was working at the time. His blood alcohol level far exceeded the legal threshold for license revocation. Police booked Ko on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act for drunk driving.