Amid their popularity, these K-pop idols had to leave their groups after making the huge mistake of driving while under the influence (DUI) of alcohol.

In 2022, the music industry is on high alert due to a series of drunk driving news involving popular idols and celebrities. This year, a lot of Korean stars such as ZE: A Moon Jun Young, Kim Sae Ron, Shinhwa's Shin Hye Sung, and more.

Since drunk driving is one of the most severe offenses a star can commit, most of them have to take a break from the entertainment industry and face the consequence of receiving heavy criticism from both fans and netizens, for the rest of their career.

While some recovered from their DUI controversy, the following K-pop idols suffered the consequence of having to leave their groups to avoid further disruptions to their co-members' activities.

Here Are Male Idol Who Left Group After Drunk Driving Incidents:

1. Former VICTON Heo Chan

The most recent one, former VICTON Heo Chan was caught drunk driving by police on his way home after meeting with his acquaintances in September.

At the time, he showed regret and remorse by apologizing through his SNS, consoling the great disappointment of both fans and Koreans.

Despite the apology and promise to reflect on his mistake, IST Entertainment announced that Heo Chan decided to withdraw from the team, citing, "to not cause further damage" to VICTON as his main reason.

This was unfortunate and sudden to both VICTON and Heo Chan since they were just gaining popularity after members' appearances in Mnet's "Produce X 101" in 2019.

The group will continue as a six-member group, and in the meantime quintet, excluding Han Seung Woo who is currently serving in the military.

2. Former AB6IX Lim Young Min

RELATED ARTICLE: Former AB6IX Youngmin Posts Apology Letter Following Military Discharge

Former AB6IX Lim Young-min, who also gained popularity after appearing in "Produce 101" in 2017 met an unfortunate career ending due to DUI as well.

In particular, he initially worked as a due MXM with Kim Dong Hyun, until he finally debuted in a boy group as its leader in 2019.

But just a year, amid rising status in the music scene, he was caught by the police while driving a vehicle to his accommodation after drinking with his acquaintances, and his license was revoked.

In the end, Lim Young Min officially withdrew from the group in a week. He immediately entered the military in the same year and was discharged in May. At the time, he once again posted an apology letter and hinted at his return to the industry, but no news has been delivered yet since then.

3. Former Super Junior Kangin

READ MORE: Where is Kangin Now? Status of Super Junior's Scandal-Ridden Ex-Member

While Kangin's departure from Super Junior was caused by numerous scandals and controversies, one of the main reasons he had to leave the group was due to drunk driving as well.

Throughout his time in Super Junior, Kangin was caught by the police twice, and what is concerning was that he was also involved in a hit-and-run case (not staying at the scene of the crash). Fortunately, there was no one was severely hit. His first offense was in 2009, and he was able to get away from it by paying about $6,000.

His second offense happened in 2016, and again he ran away from the scene after crashing into a streetlight. While some fans still forgive and supported him, his last straw was when he was involved in an assault case for the second time in 2017.

In 2019, Kangin officially left the team, after being on hiatus since 2015.

For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Eunice Dawson.