Singer Kim Heung-guk, who has caused controversy with drunk driving, hit-and-run, and unlicensed driving, mentioned the damage caused to celebrities by malicious comments and expressed that he is also unable to return to broadcasting because of them.
In a recent video posted on YouTube, Kim Heung-guk stated, "Anyone can make mistakes in life."
He said, "I feel heartbroken watching the news in the entertainment industry these days. As a senior in the industry, I want to say something. I had a big dream of becoming a star and was active, but life has many unexpected events. Even though I have reflected and done my best, why do people keep hating? It breaks my heart to see people making extreme choices because of malicious expressions."
This was a comment indirectly referencing the late actor Kim Sae-ron, who passed away suddenly on the 16th.
He continued, "I am the same. I need to return to broadcasting, but as you know, I am also suffering from malicious comments. People can make mistakes in life. I hope there will be many opportunities for reflection, forgiveness, and return after making mistakes," he appealed. He added, "Please love our celebrities a lot."
Kim Heung-guk has a history of being punished multiple times for drunk driving and hit-and-run incidents. In 1997, he was arrested and indicted for causing a hit-and-run accident while driving under the influence, receiving a one-year prison sentence and two years of probation. After returning, he even participated in a campaign against drunk driving, but in 2013, he was caught driving under the influence again and had his license suspended.
In April 2021, he was involved in a hit-and-run controversy. He was fined 7 million won for leaving the scene after hitting a motorcycle while making a left turn at an intersection in Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, without taking any action.
In August of last year, he was charged with unlicensed driving and received a summary order to pay a fine of 1 million won, which was belatedly revealed in January this year.
Separately, he has continued to make political statements, placing him at the center of controversy. He has stepped down from his position as vice president of the Marine Corps Veterans Association due to losing neutrality.
