Model and Actor Kim Tae-yi Faces Two-Year Prison Sentence for DUI

Kim Tae-yi (김태이), a 29-year-old model and actor known for his appearance on the dating reality show 환승연애2 (Transit Love 2), has been sentenced to two years in prison for driving under the influence. During a court hearing on May 12, 2025, at the Seoul Central District Court, prosecutors requested the sentence under the Specific Crimes Aggravated Punishment Act for dangerous driving resulting in injury. A friend of Kim's, identified as A (30), who admitted to driving in his place to cover up the DUI, was also fined 5 million won.
Kim's attorney explained that he had been waiting for a designated driver but could not resist the urge to move his car briefly, which led to the accident. They argued that Kim actively assisted the victim after the incident and sold his vehicle to prevent future offenses. Kim expressed remorse, stating he would reflect on this incident for the rest of his life and ensure it never happens again.
The incident occurred on September 15, 2024, around 5 AM in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam, where Kim drove with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15%, injuring a pedestrian who reportedly suffered a two-week recovery period. Kim admitted to the DUI during the police investigation following the accident.
Previously, Kim Tae-yi had appeared in dramas such as 병원선 (Hospital Ship) and gained popularity through his participation in the 2022 TVING reality show 환승연애2 (Transit Love 2).