The South Korean culture completely punishes those who drive under the influence, these reckless actions are even considered a severe crime. In light of the recent events revolving around BTS’ Suga, these are some of the Kpop idols who left their groups after drunk driving.
- Cha Joo Hyuk: The idol’s case was very popular in 2016, Cha Joo Hyuk was prosecuted on charges of violation of the Narcotics Control Act and was sentenced to one year and six months in prison. The idol’s reckless and constant actions led his agency to fire him from the Co-ed School.
- Lim Younmin from ABB6IX: On May 31, 2020, the idol was caught drunk driving, although the case didn’t lead to a media controversy, Brand New Music announced his official departure from the group just 8 days after the incident.
- Kangin from Super Junior: When the Kpop industry was barely rising, Kangin created a whole controversy after colliding with two taxis and fled from the scene before turning himself in a few hours after the incident. The idol’s blood alcohol level was above the legal limit. However, he wasn’t excluded from the boyband. In 2016, another DUI incident happened, which made him go on hiatus until 2019 when he formally left Super Junior.
- Shin Hyesung from Shinhwa: The idol was arrested for drunk driving after he was caught sleeping in a reportedly stolen vehicle in October 2022. LiveWorks Company had no other choice but to exclude the idol from the boyband and announced that he was facing up to 6 months to 2 years in prison for DUI.
- Heo Chan from VICTON: The idol was caught by the South Korean Police after driving under the influence. Firstly, Heo Chan got his driver’s license revoked but he was also suspended from all activities related to VICTON. Ultimately, he left the group.
