Prosecution seeks a 15-year jail sentence for DJ Yesong who killed a man in DUI accident
A 15-year prison sentence has been proposed for DJ Yesong, who caused a fatal hit-and-run accident while driving under the influence in the heart of Gangnam, Seoul.
On June 11, Judge Kim Ji Joung of the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 25 presided over the trial of Ms. An (DJ Yesong), a woman in her 20s, who was charged with dangerous driving resulting in death under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes.
During the trial, the prosecution stated, “She committed two traffic accidents while in a state of extreme intoxication, one of which resulted in a fatality. Despite causing the loss of life, she shifted the blame onto the victim, showing a severe lack of culpability. We request a 15-year prison sentence and the confiscation of her Mercedes Benz sedan and its keys.”
The prosecution also emphasized, “The victim died from excessive bleeding caused by the accident. At the time of the incident, he must have suffered immense physical pain and the extreme mental anguish of facing an unforeseen death. The victim’s family continues to suffer daily, having had to endure an unexpected funeral and subsequent economic hardships.”
In her final statement, Ms. An expressed remorse, saying, “At the time, I had no scheduled DJ performances, which disrupted my life, and I attended a gathering for financial reasons where I could not refuse the drinks. I deeply regret having caused irreparable harm to the victim due to my mistake.”
She continued, tearfully stating, “I kneel and apologize to the victim who lost his life because of me. I have committed an unforgivable sin against the family who lost their loved one.”
Ms. An vowed, “I will live with the intent to atone for my sins towards the deceased and his family for the rest of my life. I am truly sorry. I did wrong.”
Her lawyer pleaded for leniency, arguing, “Although she committed a serious crime, we ask for a lenient sentence with the hope that she can be rehabilitated and become a normal, productive citizen again.”
The first trial verdict for Ms. An is scheduled for July 9.
Previously, Ms. An caused a traffic accident while driving intoxicated around 4:30 AM on February 3 in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul, and fled the scene. She hit a motorcycle delivery driver in his 50s near the Hakdong Station intersection. The driver, Mr. A, was taken to the hospital but ultimately passed away due to his injuries. At the time of the accident, Ms. An’s blood alcohol concentration was found to be 0.221%, indicating a state of severe intoxication. Subsequently, she was brought to trial on charges of drunk driving and hit-and-run.
