'Yoon Chang-ho Law Applies' Cha Se-jji, Son of Cha Bum-kun, Receives Suspended Sentence in First Trial (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Cha Se-jji (34), son of former national soccer team coach Cha Bum-geun, was sentenced to a suspended prison term for causing an accident while driving under the influence.

Judge Jang Won-jeong of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 25 on the 10th sentenced Cha, who was indicted for violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (dangerous driving causing injury), to 1 year and 6 months in prison with a 3-year suspension.

He was also ordered to undergo 2 years of probation and attend 40 hours of lawful driving lectures.

The court pointed out, "The defendant repeatedly drove under the influence and was nearly intoxicated at the time of the accident, which led to the collision," adding, "Considering the nature of the accident, the risk was significant."

Cha was indicted for crashing his passenger car into a vehicle ahead of him on a road in front of a restaurant in Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, around 11:40 p.m. on December 23 last year.

At the time, Cha's blood alcohol concentration was reportedly 0.246%, which is at the level for license cancellation.

Cha was subject to the so-called Yoon Chang-ho Act (special law on hit-and-run injury and dangerous driving causing injury).

Enacted in December 2018, the Yoon Chang-ho Act stipulates a sentence of 1 to 15 years imprisonment or a fine of 10 million to 30 million won for causing injury to a person while driving under the influence.

However, considering the minor extent of the accident and the victim's injuries, as well as the fact that Cha reached a settlement with the victim, this sentence was handed down. His sincere remorse was also taken into account as a mitigating factor.

At the final hearing, Cha said, "I admit my wrongdoing and sincerely reflect on it," adding, "I apologize to the victim and to those who are hurt by drunk driving accidents."