Lizzy breaks silence on her 2021 DUI scandal in emotional first appearance since then.
The former After School and Orange Caramel member appeared on August 1 on Jjungthewoman’s YouTube channel, hosted by fellow After School member Jungah.
Lizzy addressed her drunk driving crash openly:
“What happened was something that should never have occurred, and there is no room for excuses — it was clearly my fault.” — Lizzy
The incident in May 2021 involved Lizzy crashing into a taxi with a blood alcohol content over 0.08%, above Korea’s license revocation limit.
She admitted the backlash was terrifying for someone used to being loved for her bubbly image. Pride led to multiple mistakes afterwards.
“At first, the criticism and condemnation I received were frightening. I used to be loved for my cheerful and positive image through variety shows, Orange Caramel, and After School, but suddenly I was shunned by many people. I think I tried to hold on to that love, and in the process, I kept making more mistakes and saying the wrong things. I used to be full of pride.” — Lizzy
Lizzy confessed she often took her success for granted and only realized its value after losing it.
“I didn’t fully understand or appreciate that.” — Lizzy
Jungah shared her initial disappointment but recognized Lizzy’s genuine growth since.
“I wondered why she did it. Many of us told her to come to her senses.” — Jungah
“But she showed real growth and made genuine efforts to change herself, which made it possible for us to stay close despite the DUI incident.” — Jungah
Lizzy expressed gratitude for her groupmates’ support, saying the event forced her to change.
Following the DUI, Lizzy was fined ₩15 million KRW (~$10,800 USD) and vanished from the public eye. She apologized, calling the scandal “something she would be ashamed of for the rest of her life.”
Four years later, Lizzy is reconnecting with fans through TikTok and her first on-camera appearance since the controversy.
