It’s one thing for a K-drama to serve up emotional angst, but it’s another thing entirely when that drama crosses a legal and moral red line. JTBC’s latest series Still Shining is currently under fire after a formal complaint was lodged with the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC). The issue? A controversial scene that critics say treats drunk driving like a casual plot device rather than a serious crime.
The heat specifically centers on episode 8. In the scene, Bae Seong-chan (played by Shin Jae-ha) is seen knocking back drinks with Mo Eun-ah (played by Kim Min-joo). At first, he claims he’ll wait until he sobers up to leave. But after a sudden, tense encounter, he hops right into the driver’s seat and speeds off—all while clearly still under the influence.
Viewers weren’t just annoyed; they were genuinely concerned. The complaint argues that the show used a dangerous, illegal act simply to ramp up “narrative tension” without showing any of the real-life consequences. In a country where DUI awareness is at an all-time high, seeing a “hero” or main character drive drunk for emotional flair felt incredibly out of touch.
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The KCSC has confirmed they’ve received the report and are currently reviewing whether the episode violated broadcasting standards. If they decide it did, JTBC could be looking at anything from a warning to a heavy fine. It’s a wake-up call for production teams: audiences are no longer willing to overlook “irresponsible messaging” just for the sake of a dramatic exit.
As the show struggles with ratings—reportedly dipping into the 0% range recently—this controversy is the last thing it needs. While the drama aims to be a “light” for its viewers, this particular creative choice has left many feeling completely in the dark.
