Kim Sae Ron Fined 20 Million Won in First Trial for DUI, Appeal Using “Financial Difficulties” Denied

dhanApril 5, 2023Last Updated: April 5, 2023

1 minute read

Kim Sae Ron, who found herself at the center of controversy for drunk driving, has been fined 20 million won (about $17,000 USD) in her first trial.

On April 5, Judge Lee Hwan Gi of the 4th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court ordered Kim Sae Ron to pay a fine of 20 million won for violating the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving, failure to take action after an accident). This was the same amount that the prosecution had originally demanded during her trial last month.

Kim Sae Ron appeared in court wearing a neat outfit with light makeup, looking refreshed and lively. Notably, she did not wear a mask and exposed her entire face.

Last year in May, Kim Sae Ron was accused of causing an accident by driving under the influence of alcohol and hitting a transformer and a tree in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. She refused to undergo a breathalyzer test at the scene and instead provided a blood sample, which was sent to the National Forensic Service for analysis. The test result showed that her blood alcohol content was about 0.2%, well above the legal limit of 0.08%.

During her trial last month, the prosecution demanded a fine of 20 million won for Kim Sae Ron and 5 million won for her passenger, A. The prosecution criticized her for causing a drunk driving accident with a blood alcohol content of over 0.2% and fleeing the scene without taking proper measures. However, they also acknowledged that she had admitted to all charges, made efforts to settle with the victims, and compensated them.

Kim Sae Ron’s attorney claimed “financial difficulties” and appealed for leniency, citing that she had sold the car involved in the accident and had already paid compensation to the victims. However, the court denied her appeal.

Since the accident, Kim Sae Ron has faced a lot of public criticism for several incidents, including falsifying part-time job certification photos and being photographed at a gambling club.

Source: Nate.