Third Strike: Park Sang-min Receives Suspended Sentence Again Despite Pleading for Leniency

The Verdict That Sealed His Fate

On July 16, 2025, the Suwon District Court's Criminal Appeals Department delivered a decisive ruling that would cement actor Park Sang-min's legal troubles. The court rejected both the defendant's and prosecution's appeals, maintaining the original sentence of six months imprisonment with a two-year suspended sentence. Chief Judge Lee Heon-sook, alongside judges Kim Jong-geun and Jung Chang-geun, stated that there was no change in circumstances that warranted a different judgment from the original trial.

The 54-year-old actor, best known for his breakthrough role in the 1990 film The General's Son, had hoped the appeal would bring him some relief from his legal predicament. However, the court's firm stance reflected the severity of repeat offenses in Korea's legal system. The ruling also included a mandatory 40-hour safe driving course, emphasizing the court's commitment to rehabilitation alongside punishment.

A Pattern of Reckless Behavior

Park Sang-min's latest incident occurred on May 19, 2024, at approximately 8 AM when he was found asleep in his Toyota vehicle in an alley in Gwacheon City, Gyeonggi Province. A concerned citizen reported the suspicious scene to police, who discovered the actor with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.163% - more than double the legal limit for license revocation in Korea. This wasn't just a momentary lapse in judgment; it was the culmination of a night of heavy drinking that lasted until dawn.

What makes this case particularly troubling is Park's history of similar offenses. His first drunk driving incident dates back to 1997, when he caused a hit-and-run accident in Seoul's upscale Gangnam district before being apprehended by police. The second offense occurred in 2011, also in Gangnam, where he was caught driving approximately 300 meters while intoxicated, resulting in a license suspension. The pattern reveals a disturbing disregard for public safety and legal consequences.

The Entertainment Industry's Silent Struggle

Park Sang-min's case highlights a broader issue within Korea's entertainment industry regarding celebrity accountability and substance abuse. His agency, UMI Entertainment, issued a comprehensive apology acknowledging the inexcusable nature of his actions and promising stricter management of their artists. The statement reflected the industry's ongoing struggle to balance talent management with personal responsibility.

The actor's career trajectory adds another layer of complexity to this situation. Having debuted in Im Kwon-taek's acclaimed General's Son trilogy, Park had established himself as a respected figure in Korean cinema. Before his arrest, he was actively performing in the theatrical production Schumann, maintaining his connection with audiences who had followed his career for over three decades. The contrast between his professional achievements and personal failures underscores the challenges facing aging actors in maintaining their relevance and dealing with personal demons.

Legal Consequences and Public Reaction

The prosecution's demand for a six-month prison sentence during the initial trial demonstrated the seriousness with which Korean authorities treat repeat drunk driving offenses. The case was particularly noteworthy because Park was also charged with illegally using a disabled parking permit, adding another dimension to his legal troubles. This additional charge painted a picture of someone who had developed a pattern of disregarding various traffic regulations.

During his final hearing, Park made an emotional plea for leniency, stating: I had a similar offense about 10 years ago, and I reflected and made a resolution, but I reflect on my own shortcomings and will ensure this never happens again. However, the court remained unmoved by his appeals, emphasizing that repeat offenders must face appropriate consequences regardless of their celebrity status or expressions of remorse.

The Broader Context of Celebrity DUI Cases

Park Sang-min's case is part of a troubling trend of celebrity drunk driving incidents in Korea. Recent years have seen several high-profile cases involving entertainment figures, including Kim Jeong-hoon's December 2024 arrest for refusing a breathalyzer test. These incidents have sparked broader discussions about celebrity privilege and whether famous individuals receive preferential treatment in the justice system.

The entertainment industry's response to such cases has evolved significantly. Unlike previous decades when agencies might have attempted to minimize or cover up such incidents, modern entertainment companies are increasingly taking proactive stances. UMI Entertainment's immediate acknowledgment of Park's wrongdoing and commitment to stricter artist management reflects this shift toward greater accountability and transparency in handling celebrity misconduct.

Career Implications and Future Prospects

The suspended sentence allows Park Sang-min to avoid immediate imprisonment, but the long-term impact on his career remains uncertain. The entertainment industry has become increasingly unforgiving of repeat offenders, particularly those involved in drunk driving cases that endanger public safety. His removal from ongoing projects and the suspension of future casting opportunities are likely consequences that extend far beyond the legal penalties.

The case also raises questions about rehabilitation and second chances in the entertainment industry. While Park has expressed remorse and committed to change, his history of similar offenses makes it difficult for both industry professionals and the public to trust in his transformation. The mandatory safe driving course ordered by the court represents an attempt at rehabilitation, but whether it will be sufficient to restore his standing in the industry remains to be seen.

A Cautionary Tale for the Industry

Park Sang-min's third drunk driving conviction serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of repeated poor judgment and the importance of personal accountability in the public eye. His case demonstrates that celebrity status cannot shield individuals from the legal consequences of their actions, particularly when those actions pose a threat to public safety. The consistent application of justice, regardless of fame or previous achievements, sends a clear message about the rule of law in Korean society.

As Park faces the reality of his suspended sentence and the potential end of his entertainment career, his story becomes a cautionary tale for other celebrities struggling with similar issues. The entertainment industry's evolution toward greater accountability means that public figures can no longer rely on their status to escape the consequences of their actions. For Park Sang-min, the road to redemption - if it exists - will be long and uncertain, requiring genuine change rather than mere expressions of regret.