Comedian-turned-MC Hong Jang-won has publicly admitted to drunk driving and announced he is shutting down his popular YouTube channel, which drew roughly 700,000 subscribers. The entertainer, known to many as “MC Jangwon,” said he will halt all broadcasting activities and enter an indefinite period of self-reflection.
What happened
In a handwritten statement posted to the community tab of his channel on August 18 (KST), Hong revealed he was stopped at a sobriety checkpoint near his home on June 28. He said his blood alcohol concentration measured 0.065%, adding that there were no accidents or injuries and that legal proceedings are underway.
“A cowardly and foolish act”
Hong called his conduct “unforgivable,” and admitted that after the incident, he continued filming and uploading content for more than 50 days, hiding what had happened from viewers, colleagues, and even family. He said he intends to find a way to return revenue earned from those broadcasts.
The Letter He Wrote
I’m sorry, everyone.
I committed too much sin. Moreover, I committed a greater sin that I came to know that fact too late and only now.
From now on, I will tell you that fact and sincerely apologize.
On June 28th, I was caught drinking near my home with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.065.
There were no accidents or casualties, and I was arrested while driving alone, and legal proceedings are currently underway.
I know that the final result will come out in 1 to 2 months.
Drunk driving is a clear crime that can’t be excused or excused.
As a broadcaster who lives with the trust and support of viewers, it was an action that should not be done, and I was also suplied and fined in 2006, 19 years ago.
At that time, I was more foolish than I am now, so I didn’t recognize the depth of my sin and didn’t reflect.
As a result, I committed the same crime again.
I confess all my sins to you and apologize. I made a mistake that I couldn’t wash away. I’m really sorry.
And the bigger crime than I said earlier is that I didn’t tell you honestly until 50 days after I was caught driving under the influence of alcohol and continued to broadcast my activities pretending to be nothing.
I know this is a bigger mistake than driving under the influence of alcohol.
I was afraid of being betrayed by everyone who supported me.
I was afraid of hearing criticism from people around the world.
I was afraid to let you know that my mistake destroyed the workplace and livelihood of the employees and many performers.
In that fear, I forgot that trust with viewers was the most important thing, and tried to hide my sins.
During the day, he pretended to be okay and deceived his viewers and colleagues, and at night, he couldn’t sleep because of fear and guilt.
Still, I didn’t have the courage to tell you.
As time went by day, my sins grew like a snowball.
It was such a cowardly and stupid behavior, and it was a sin that could not be washed away.
As if I couldn’t cover the sky with my palms, I knew that it would be known one day, but I spent time in fear and anxiety without opening my mouth.
‘Isn’t it possible to pass without anyone knowing like this?’ I also thought that.
But I couldn’t stop the growing guilt.
It’s been 50 days, and it’s too late, but now I confess my sins.
I sincerely apologize to all of you who must have been disappointed and shocked by my drunk driving and cowardly deception.
My fault is a personal deviation entirely from my choice.
I didn’t tell my family, acquaintances, or colleagues about this. These people also became victims of my deception.
I deeply apologize to these people, and I sincerely ask that all the criticisms and reprimands are directed at me.
I will do my best by mobilizing all my methods for those who have been harmed or hurt by me.
As part of that, we will take responsibly by finding a way to return the profits generated by YouTube and broadcasting activities in the past 50 days.
And from now on, I will close my channel and all broadcast activities, and have time of reflection and self-restraint indefinitely.
Once again, I sincerely apologize to everyone who may have been disappointed and hurt by me.
I’m really sorry.
Channel shutdown and hiatus
Alongside the apology, Hong said he would shut down his YouTube channel and suspend all media work. As of his announcement, the channel’s content had been removed or set to private. He framed the move as taking responsibility and creating space for reflection.
A second offence
Hong acknowledged this was his second DUI. He previously received a license suspension and fine for drunk driving in 2006, a history he cited as evidence of his failure to learn from past mistakes.
What’s next
According to his statement, authorities are still processing the case, with a decision expected in the coming weeks. Under Korean law, the BAC level Hong disclosed is typically within the range that triggers license suspension, a point echoed in local reporting.
Career background
Hong debuted through SBS’s ninth open recruitment of comedians in 2007, later transitioning into hosting and building a sizable digital audience through podcasts and YouTube. His channel’s rapid growth helped cement his reputation as a relatable, quick-witted personality—making this fall from grace all the more jarring for longtime viewers.
