Actor Son Seung-won. Photo Blossom Entertainment

It was belatedly reported that actor Son Seung-won, known as the first celebrity subject to the ‘Yoon Chang-ho Act,’ had been indicted on a fifth drunk-driving charge.

On the 14th, JTBC reported, “Son Seung-won drove under the influence without a license last November, drove against traffic on Gangbyeonbuk-ro, and was caught by police.” It is reportedly the fifth time Son has been caught for drunk driving.

However, allegations were also raised that he drove a vehicle without a license even while awaiting trial.

JTBC added, “His blood alcohol concentration at the time was more than twice the license-revocation threshold (0.08%),” and “Despite submitting a letter of reflection and an opinion statement to the court expressing an intention to receive hospital treatment, he was spotted on the 8th personally driving a vehicle without a license in the Hannam-dong area of Seoul.”

After visiting a hair salon, Son is said to have personally driven a BNW vehicle, after which he headed to a bar and drank with acquaintances. The vehicle is reportedly the same one he used during the drunk driving incident last year.

Prosecutors have already sought a four-year prison term for Son, and the first-instance verdict will be delivered on the 11th of next month.

In 2018, Son was also indicted for causing an accident while driving drunk without a license near Apgujeong-dong in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and fleeing the scene, and he received a prison sentence of one year and six months. He drew public outrage as the first celebrity known to be subject to the so-called ‘Yoon Chang-ho Act,’ which increases accountability for drunk drivers.

He debuted in 2009 with the musical ‘Spring Awakening,’ and appeared in stage productions such as ‘Hedwig,’ ‘The Days,’ and ‘Bare: The Musical,’ as well as the dramas ‘Age of Youth’ and ‘Neighborhood Lawyer Jo Deul-ho.’ However, due to repeated drunk driving scandals, he has effectively left the entertainment industry.