Song Young-Kyu accused of drunk driving, ‘The Defects’ to edit scenes amid scandal

Veteran South Korean actor Song Young-Kyu is facing serious backlash after being accused of driving under the influence, casting a shadow over his decades-long acting career. According to a report by News1, the Yongin Dongbu Police Station in Gyeonggi Province recently transferred Song to the Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office without detention on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act.

The incident reportedly occurred on the night of June 19, 2025. Song allegedly drove while intoxicated for approximately five kilometers, from the Giheung District to the Cheoin District in Yongin City, around 11 p.m. The police were alerted by a concerned citizen who noticed erratic driving behavior. Officers quickly tracked down the vehicle, identified Song as the driver, and conducted a breathalyzer test, which showed a blood alcohol concentration of over 0.08%—the legal limit for license revocation in South Korea.

Authorities stated that Song had consumed alcohol with acquaintances before getting behind the wheel. While the investigation continues, officials have withheld further details. Nonetheless, the incident has already begun to take a toll on Song’s professional engagements and public image.

Song Young-Kyu made his debut in the 1994 children’s musical Wizard Mureul and has since built a reputable career with a strong presence in supporting roles in films and dramas. Currently, he is starring as Pastor Yoon Se Hoon in ENA’s Monday-Tuesday drama Eye Shopping and is featured in SBS’s new Friday-Saturday series Try: We Become Miracles, which premiered on July 25.