Actor and Model Kim Tae I Caught Driving Under the Influence in Seoul’s Gangnam District

Actor and model Kim Tae I (real name Kim In Sik) has been revealed to have been involved in a pedestrian collision while driving under the influence of alcohol.

On Monday, Kim Tae I’s agency, Esteem Entertainment, issued a statement confirming that the actor attended a police investigation in person regarding the drunk driving charges and provided a detailed account of the incident. The agency added that Kim is “deeply reflecting on his actions” and has offered a heartfelt apology.

According to Esteem Entertainment, the incident took place in September near Sinsa-dong, in the popular Gangnam district of Seoul. Kim Tae I was reportedly stationary in his vehicle, waiting for a designated driver to arrive when a parking attendant repeatedly asked him to move his car. Kim was then compelled to relocate the vehicle.

During this process, Kim was involved in a collision with a pedestrian, who sustained minor injuries. The pedestrian was reported to have suffered some bruising, but the injuries were not life-threatening. Kim Tae I has expressed deep regret over the incident, saying, “I deeply reflect on my actions and sincerely apologize for causing the accident due to drunk driving.”

On October 7, the Gangnam Police Department referred Kim Tae I to the prosecution on charges of violating South Korea’s Road Traffic Act, which includes penalties for driving under the influence.

Kim Tae I made his acting debut in 2016 with the stage play The Boy We First Loved. He later gained recognition for his roles in popular television dramas such as Hospital Ship (2017) and The Last Empress (2019). In addition to his acting career, Kim has also worked as a model and designer.

Kim Tae I garnered significant attention in 2022 for his appearance on the reality dating show Exchange 2, which was streamed on TVing. His popularity on social media has also surged, with the actor currently amassing over 435,000 followers on Instagram.