South Korean actor Lee Jae-ryong has been apprehended for a third drunk driving offense on March 6, 2026, sparking widespread public criticism. The incident has led to the removal of a recent TV episode featuring him and investigations by police analyzing black box footage. This controversy is also affecting his wife, actress Yoo Ho-jeong's, upcoming drama comeback.
Actor Lee Jae-ryong, known for his roles in various Korean dramas, was arrested on the night of March 6, 2026, following a new drunk driving incident, marking his third such offense. According to reports, police are investigating this as an alcohol-related hit-and-run, with authorities examining black box footage from the scene. This development has chilled public opinion and reignited debates about celebrity accountability in the entertainment industry.
The backlash intensified when the production team of the drinking-themed talk show 'Zzanbro' decided to set an episode featuring Lee Jae-ryong to private and eventually delete it entirely. The episode, which aired on February 23, 2026, included host Shin Dong Yup sharing drinks with Lee Jae-ryong, Ahn Jae-wook, Yoon Da-hoon, and Sung Ji-roo. Captions in the episode, such as "drinking like they are in their 20s" and "never-ending rounds of drinks," drew criticism for glorifying alcohol consumption, especially given Lee's history of DUIs dating back to 2003 and Ahn Jae-wook's records since 2019.
The scandal has also highlighted past struggles in Lee's personal life. In a 2015 appearance on SBS's 'Healing Camp,' his wife, actress Yoo Ho-jeong, discussed her distress over his drinking habits. She revealed frequent fights since their dating years, a three-week separation, and multiple pledges signed by Lee—complete with thumbprints—promising to limit alcohol and return home on time, which he repeatedly broke. "It’s infuriating," she stated, "even so, he doesn’t change."
Criticism is mounting that this latest offense hinders Yoo Ho-jeong's drama comeback, with public demands growing for greater responsibility in media portrayals of drinking. While one report described it as Lee's second drunk driving incident, multiple sources confirm it as his third, underscoring the severity of the ongoing controversy.
