The scandal involving actor Jo Hyung Ki, who murdered a woman after driving drunk over three decades ago and then escaped jail time, is coming back to haunt him after the experienced actor hinted that he wants to go back on TV.

Jo, who started his career in 1979 as a guest in the K-drama Chief Inspector, gained prominence during the 1980s through consistent supporting roles.

Jo committed the offense in 1991 that would mar his career. He was driving under the influence when he hit a woman in her 30s and killed her, and he tried to conceal her body nearby.

Police caught him asleep behind the wheel not too far from the scene. Seven hours after the accident, his blood alcohol content was still at 0.26 percent.

The Seoul Central District Court originally sent him to prison for three years, the sentence then being raised to five years on appeal.

After a second round of appeals, when his sentence was cut back down to three years' probation on condition that he was to be imprisoned for two years if he broke probation.

Despite the controversy, Jo resumed his career and continued working in television, film and variety shows. In 2003, he even appeared in a car commercial, sparking outrage over his past.

He remained active until 2017, when renewed attention to his crime prompted him to retire. At the time of his conviction in the early 1990s, limited media coverage meant many viewers were unaware of the case.

A netizen said that he had seen Jo at a U.S. restaurant in October 2022, one of the few times there has been an update about his location.

In December 2024, Jo also made an appearance on the YouTube channel Smile Troupe, directly addressing viewers.

Prefacing his comments, he stated, "I sincerely hope that everyone will be healthy next year and that it will become a reality that I am on television next year."

Jo's return is doubtful, but his appearance has again sparked controversy concerning accountability and forgiveness in Korea's celebrity culture.