Actor to continue in drama despite involvement in fatal car accident

By Dong Sun-hwa

Veteran actor Jung Won-joong, who was involved in a car accident that killed a motorcyclist, revealed Monday he would not quit the KBS2 drama “Beautiful Love, Wonderful Life.”

He told media outlet OSEN that he knew people would criticize him for not quitting the ongoing TV series. But the actor said that if left, his withdrawal would trigger other troubles and anxieties ― although they could not be compared to those of the bereaved family.

“It is agonizing to see how my self-reflection could cause other pain,” said Jung, 58, said. “I am willing to accept any criticism. I am sorry. I will strive to figure out a right way of living.”

A drama staff member was quoted as saying, “We are waiting for the result of the police investigation.”

The BMW he drove collided with the motorcycle in Yangpeyong, Gyeonggi Province, at 7:32 p.m. on Oct 22. Jung was reportedly turning left to head for a market. He claimed he did not see the motorcyclist at the crossroad, where there were no traffic lights. The badly injured motorcyclist was taken to hospital, but died.

Yangpyeong Police have been investigating Jung without detention for allegedly violating the traffic law. But he had not been drunk nor had he broken any traffic light law, the police said.

Jung, who debuted in 1984, has featured in a myriad of works including the drama “Winter Sonata” (2002).