Gil's Comeback After Multiple DUI Incidents: Will He Be Forgiven?

Gil (길), a former member of the hip-hop duo Leessang, has signaled his return to the music scene after a seven-year hiatus marked by controversy surrounding his repeated DUI offenses. On the 25th, he shared a post stating, "Finally completed. I’ve been preparing for years. I’m nervous," alongside a photo of himself meditating with an octopus on his head at a seafood market. The post also featured the phrase '빛나리 길성준' and a countdown to his comeback on '2024. 11.29. 12:00 pm', hinting at his return.

Gil was caught driving under the influence in 2004 and again in 2014, with the latter incident causing significant backlash as he was appearing on MBC's 'Infinite Challenge' at the time. Following this, he stepped down from the show and took time off to reflect, resulting in the cancellation of the broadcast of the second half of an episode that had already been filmed.

After two years of self-reflection, Gil made a comeback as a producer on Mnet's 'Show Me the Money 5', but his return was short-lived. In 2017, he was again arrested for DUI, receiving a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with 80 hours of community service. Despite his apologies, stating, "I have no words, I’m sorry," public sentiment remained cold due to his repeated offenses. KBS imposed a permanent ban on his appearances as of September 12, 2017.

In January 2020, Gil attempted to return to the spotlight on Channel A's 'Icon Contact', where he apologized for his past actions and shared news of his marriage and the birth of his child. However, the public's resentment lingered due to his history of three DUI incidents.

In 2023, he contributed to the song '냅두세요' by KISUM and signed an exclusive contract with MLD Entertainment, signaling a renewed focus on his music career. However, controversy arose again when it was revealed that he was present at a drinking gathering with Kim Ho-joong on the day of Kim's hit-and-run DUI incident. Gil's agency clarified that he had met Kim for a music project and returned home by taxi, strongly denying any allegations of aiding in the DUI.

As Gil announces his long-awaited return to his career amidst numerous controversies, many are left wondering if he will finally earn the public's forgiveness this time.