Actor Yoon Ji-on has publicly apologized after a drunk driving incident caught the media and public attention in mid-September 2025. On the evening of September 16, Yoon rode off on a parked motorcycle while heavily intoxicated, an act he says left him with no clear memory of what happened.
In his statement posted on September 17, Yoon wrote that he feels “heavy-hearted” and deeply regrets having let down those who supported him. He admitted to all allegations, expressed shame over his actions, and promised to cooperate fully with the legal process.
He also pledged that this behavior will not repeat itself, saying he will live with remorse and accept any consequences that may come. There was no attempt at an excuse.
Yoon Ji-on has stepped down from the upcoming Channel A drama A Baby Is Coming (also reported under working titles like Baby on the Way) scheduled for 2026.
Filming for the drama began in July 2025, and as of the DUI report, Yoon had been actively involved in shooting. At least six episodes’ scripts had already been completed, and some filming had progressed. Following the incident and his public admission, production insiders say the exit was abrupt.
The production team is reportedly considering recasting to fill his role, given how far along filming is.
Yoon Ji-on’s Career So Far
Yoon Ji-on made his debut on stage in 2013. Over the years, he has taken various TV and theater roles, gradually building a reputation. Some of his more notable works include Be Melodramatic, Monthly Magazine Home, You Are My Spring, Love Next Door, and Mount Jiri, among others.
His exit from A Baby Is Coming marks a serious professional setback. For many actors in his position, each role matters not only for visibility but also for trust with production teams and audiences.
DUI and Scandals Among K-Drama Actors and Actresses
When public figures make mistakes involving the law or public safety, it not only reflects on them personally but also on the industry they operate in.
DUI is taken seriously in Korea. Fans and the public often expect accountability. Yoon’s prompt apology and decision to step away from the drama are responses that may preserve some trust.
However, the long-term impact depends on how he handles the investigation, any penalties, and how he rebuilds his reputation.
Also, productions with fixed schedules and budgets may experience ripples. Recasting mid-shoot can cause delays, craft disruptions, and additional costs. Producers need to balance integrity, public perception, and practical logistics. In this case, the drama’s script was partially done, and filming had started.
What Comes Next for Yoon Ji-on
While fans and media have largely expressed disappointment, many have also commended Yoon Ji-on for taking responsibility. In Korea’s entertainment culture, how a public apology is delivered matters. The sincerity, willingness to accept consequences, and visible remorse can influence how forgiving audiences may be.
Yoon has said he will cooperate with the legal investigation and accept whatever punishment arises.
As of now, there is no public word on when a replacement will be announced for A Baby Is Coming. The production team is under pressure to make decisions swiftly so the drama can proceed without too much delay.
Final Thoughts
Yoon Ji-on’s DUI incident is a firm reminder that celebrity status does not exempt one from law or public expectation. His apology and stepping down from A Baby Is Coming are steps toward accountability. They do not erase the mistake but give him a chance to manage the fallout with integrity.
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