South Korean DJ Drives Over 100 km/h While Drunk, Causing Fatal Accident; Expresses Shock at Verdict

A famous South Korean female DJ has appealed the first-instance verdict.

DJ Yesung (23, real name Ahn Yesung) is charged with violating laws related to aggravated punishment for specific crimes (reckless driving causing death) after driving a luxury car at high speed while intoxicated and colliding with a motorcycle, resulting in the death of a male delivery worker. On July 9, the Seoul Central District Court sentenced her to 10 years in prison.

“The accident occurred on February 3 of this year, shortly after 4 a.m. After consuming a large amount of alcohol in Seoul’s entertainment district, Yesung drove her Mercedes while heavily intoxicated. In Gangnam District, she crossed the center line and collided with an oncoming vehicle, injuring the driver, who required about two weeks to fully recover, but then fled the scene.

Shortly after, she collided with a motorcycle, resulting in the death of a male delivery worker in his 50s. When police arrived after receiving reports from witnesses, Yesung was reportedly crouching with her dog and had not provided any assistance to the victims. It is said that when the officers tried to separate her from the dog, she refused, saying ‘No!.'” (Korean newspaper reporter)

 

Just let me off this one time.

When the police tested Yesung’s blood alcohol level, it was found to be 0.221%, well above the 0.08% threshold for license revocation. Yesung was arrested at the scene, and her Mercedes and car keys were immediately confiscated.

 

“In the first-instance trial, the victim with the two-week injury testified that Yesung had asked, ‘Do I look like I’ve had too much to drink? Please let me off just this once.’ The judge condemned Yesung, stating, ‘Driving at over 100 km/h while heavily intoxicated and causing a serious accident, coupled with the fact that she neglected to administer any life-saving measures, is severe.’ On July 9, Yesung was sentenced to 10 years in prison.” (previously cited)

 

However, Yesung’s side filed an appeal on July 10, the day after the verdict. The defense attorney argued in court for a lenient sentence with the following surprising claims:

 

“Yesung possesses natural talent and has performed extensively overseas, including in China and Thailand. Her contributions to our country are significant, and she also serves as a public relations ambassador for the Seoul police department. She deeply regrets the incident and has submitted apology letters 75 times.”

 

It remains to be seen whether the defense’s arguments will influence the appeal court’s decision. The case of the famous DJ who took a man’s life through drunk driving is drawing attention from both domestic and international observers.