'Huh Jae, with 5 DUI Offenses, Sparks Netizens' Criticism for Hangover Remedy Ad'

Photo by Hangover Remedy 'Hanjan Heoje' Advertisement Screen Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Heo Jae (56), former head coach of the national basketball team who caused controversy five times in the past for drunk driving, has sparked controversy by appearing as a model for a hangover relief product advertisement.

Recently, the food company Oiil Global selected Heo Jae as the model for their hangover relief product and launched products named after him, 'Hanjan Heo Jae' and 'Sokpyeon Heo Jae'. The advertisement poster features an image of Heo Jae in a suit along with the phrase, "Still suffering from hangovers? Stop it now, Heo Jae." The online advertisement video includes subtitles such as "Soju Heo Jae, Beer Heo Jae, Liquor Heo Jae."

Netizens who saw this commented, "I don't understand the company that hired him as a model despite his multiple drunk driving convictions, nor Heo Jae who accepted it," and criticized it as "crossing the line."

They added, "He was caught drunk driving five times, how many times would it be if you count the ones he wasn't caught for?", "He seems really shameless," "Having driven drunk multiple times and appearing like this is crossing the line," "Would a hangover relief product sell if the model has been caught drunk driving five times? I don't think anyone would buy it," and similar reactions.

Heo Jae's past appearance at the police station. / Photo by Online Community Capture

Previously, during his active career in 1993, Heo Jae was caught drunk driving near his home at a hotel and had his license suspended for 100 days. In 1995, he caused a drunk driving accident and his license was revoked.

In 1996, he was caught after hitting a taxi while driving drunk without a license and fleeing the scene, leading to his arrest. He was released on bail but caused another unlicensed accident the next day, resulting in a one-year prison sentence with two years probation.

After retiring from active play, in 2003, he was involved in an accident caused by illegal U-turn after drinking at a restaurant in Apgujeong-dong, Seoul, and was booked without detention by the police.

Meanwhile, Heo Jae is currently enjoying a second peak as a broadcaster, appearing on KBS2's "Boss, Your Ears Are Donkey Ears," "12 O'clock My Hometown," MBC's "It's a Blessing Not to Fight," and JTBC's "Gather and Shoot."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.