Prosecution Seeks Tougher Sentence for Actor Son Seung-won in Drunk Driving Case

Actor Son Seung-won, known for his roles in popular TV dramas, is facing a potential increase in his prison sentence for multiple drunk driving offenses. After being sentenced to one year in prison, the Prosecution Service has appealed for a harsher penalty, citing his history of offenses. During the appeal, Son expressed deep remorse for his actions and stated his intention to reflect on his behavior while incarcerated. The court's decision is anticipated on August 13, 2026, as the actor's legal troubles continue to unfold.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 23, 2026, 23:54 IST

Son Seung-won's Legal Troubles Intensify

Following the one-year prison sentence handed to actor Son Seung-won last month, the Prosecution Service has filed an appeal, aiming for a more severe punishment. The actor has faced charges for drunk driving on five separate occasions. Renowned for his performances in Hello, My Twenties! and Welcome to Waikiki, Son expressed his remorse during the appeal hearing, stating he intends to use his time in prison to reflect on his actions and accept the consequences of his behavior. His first drunk driving charge dates back to April 2019, after which he served a year in prison.

Prosecutors Push for Increased Penalty in Son Seung-won's Case

According to a report from Star News, the Seoul Western District Court's First Criminal Division (Appeal) (B) conducted the initial appeal trial for Son Seung-won on July 23, addressing charges that include violating the Road Traffic Act (hit-and-run causing injury under the Special Act on Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes). Initially sentenced to one year, the Prosecution Service is advocating for a four-year sentence and has thus appealed the decision.

Presenting himself in court while in custody and wearing prison attire, Son Seung-won, who has also starred in the stage production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, acknowledged all charges from the initial trial and is currently serving his sentence as a form of punishment. In court, he expressed, "Throughout my time in prison, I have been overwhelmed with regret and self-reproach from morning until night."

Details Surrounding Son Seung-won's Case

In November 2025, Son was apprehended for driving in reverse on the Gangbyeon Expressway. During his trial in February 2026, it was disclosed that his blood alcohol concentration was 0.165 percent, significantly exceeding the 0.08 percent threshold for license suspension. He misled the police by claiming his designated driver had abandoned the vehicle and instructed his girlfriend to remove the black box storage device to eliminate evidence against him. Son Seung-won became the first individual to face penalties under the 'Yoon Chang-ho Law' (amended Special Act on Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes and Road Traffic Act). The court is expected to announce its verdict at 2:30 PM KST on August 13, 2026.