Actor Ko Kyung-pyo apologizes for drunk driving, puts career on hold

SEOUL, Nov. 15 (Yonhap) -- Actor Ko Kyung-pyo apologized for his recent drunk driving accident Sunday, saying he will fully cooperate with a police investigation and put his career on hold.

The 36-year-old, best known for the hit series "Reply 1988," uploaded an image of his typed apology on Instagram on Sunday. Around 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, Ko had crashed into a cleaning truck in Seoul while driving under the influence of alcohol.

Police said Ko's blood alcohol level was high enough to have his license revoked.

"It is completely my fault to get behind the wheel after drinking," Ko wrote. "I would like to apologize once again to those who were put in danger by my driving while working in the early hours. My act could have caused serious injuries, and it was irresponsible."

Ko explained that after hitting into the truck, he tried to look for a place to park his car, away from the scene of the accident, and immediately apologized to two cleaners.

"They politely told me they had already called the police. It would have been perfectly justified if they had been angry with me," Ko said. "I felt so embarrassed that I wanted to hide somewhere. I told them I will take full responsibility, and we all waited for the police to arrive.

"I will fully cooperate with a police investigation," Ko added. "I will do whatever is necessary to address damage caused by the accident and will accept full responsibility."

Ko also said he will suspend all scheduled activities and apologized to those who have worked with him to shoot episodes for ongoing or upcoming shows.

"There are people who now have to make difficult decisions," he said. "I am really sorry to all of my colleagues and production staff members."

Producers of shows featuring Ko said they will edit out his parts before they go on air. Ko's meet-and-greet sessions with fans scheduled for next Saturday have been canceled.
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