Kwak Do-won Breaks 3 Years of Silence with a Stage Return

Actor

Kwak Do-won

is making a return to the stage after a 3-year pause in his career caused by a DUI incident. According to a report from MK Sports, this marks his first public appearance since the incident. The following outlines the background and current status of this development.

The Incident That Led to a Hiatus

In September 2022, Kwak Do-won was charged with driving under the influence on Jeju Island. He drove approximately 11 kilometers with a blood alcohol level of 0.158%, which is well above the legal license cancellation threshold of 0.08%. Following legal proceedings, he received a summary order fine of 10 million KRW. Subsequently, he suspended all acting activities, entering a period of career halt. The incident also caused his film 'Firefighters' to be delayed until 2023, a project already completed prior to the event, and he refrained from participating in any promotional activities related to the film. These circumstances provide the context for his return after three years.

A Look Back at His Acting Career

Kwak Do-won began his acting career in 2003 with the film 'Six Perspectives'. Over the years, he appeared in several significant films such as 'Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time', 'The Attorney', 'Tazza: The Hidden Card', and 'The Wailing'. These performances contributed to his reputation as a solid actor within the industry. His particular role in 'The Wailing' was noted for its intensity and impact. The DUI incident in 2022 led to a temporary suspension in his career, as reported by MK Sports. This upcoming stage appearance represents the resumption of his professional activities after the hiatus.

Details of the Comeback Production

The production marking Kwak Do-won's return is the play '

A Streetcar Named Desire

', adapted from Tennessee Williams' original work. The play, which explores complex human conflicts and inner turmoil, has won the Pulitzer Prize and the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award. Additionally, its film adaptation earned four awards at the 24th Academy Awards. The production is a collaborative effort between the Toetmaru theater company and the National Theater. Besides Kwak Do-won, the cast includes Song Seon-mi, Han Da-gam, Oh Jung-yeon, and Bae Ki-sung. This stage production is noted as his first public appearance since the DUI incident, according to MK Sports.