Actor Lee Jae-ryong's drunk driving accident has caused a significant stir in the entertainment industry, and the candid remarks made by actress Lee Young-ae regarding YouTube's 'Alcohol Broadcast' content are being revisited by the public.
According to the police, Lee Jae-ryong is suspected of driving under the influence on the night of the 6th in the Gangnam area of Seoul, crashing into a central divider and fleeing the scene. His blood alcohol concentration was confirmed to be at a level that would warrant a license suspension. Notably, just before the accident, he appeared on the YouTube channel 'Jjanhan Hyung Shin Dong-yeob' showcasing his love for alcohol, which has further fueled public outrage. As the controversy spread, the video was immediately made private.
In this context, Lee Young-ae's past comments made on the same program are being highlighted, delivering a heavy message. During the broadcast, Lee Young-ae expressed her concerns, stating, "I worry that children might think about trying alcohol after watching this show."
She further insisted, "A warning message stating 'Minors should not drink or binge drink' must be included as subtitles in the program." Although the host Shin Dong-yeob brushed this off as a light joke at the time, the recent spate of drunk driving incidents in the entertainment industry has proven that Lee Young-ae's foresight was not merely a baseless concern.
Recently, the government has also revised guidelines for alcohol scenes in media, expanding the regulatory scope to include online video services such as YouTube and OTT platforms. As awareness of indiscriminate alcohol-promoting content rises, Lee Young-ae's demonstration of social responsibility is being regarded as a positive precedent.
Netizens are responding with comments like, "Lee Young-ae's remarks now seem like a pointed critique," and "This insight is essential in an era flooded with YouTube alcohol broadcasts." In light of the repeated controversies surrounding celebrity drunk driving, a responsible attitude from the media and critical reception from the public are urgently needed.
