‘Drunk Driving Collision’ After School Alumnae Lizzy Sentenced in First Trial Today

Actress Lizzy (real name Park Soo-young), former member of After School

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The first trial sentencing hearing for Lee Ji (real name Park Sooyoung, 29), a former member of the idol group After School turned actress, who caused a rear-end collision while driving under the influence, will be held.

According to the court on the 28th, at 10 a.m. that day, Judge Yang Soeun of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 21 will conduct the sentencing hearing for Lee Ji, who was indicted on charges of dangerous driving causing injury under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes and drunk driving under the Road Traffic Act.

At the previous closing argument hearing, the prosecution requested the court to sentence Lee Ji to one year in prison. Lee Ji was brought to trial in June on charges of driving under the influence around 10 p.m. on May 18, hitting a taxi ahead near the southern end intersection of Yeongdong Bridge in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, injuring the driver. At that time, Lee Ji’s blood alcohol concentration was at the level warranting license cancellation. It was investigated that neither Lee Ji nor the taxi driver had passengers in their respective vehicles.

Lee Ji’s defense attorney emphasized in the final argument, "The defendant reflects on causing social controversy," and "She reported the accident herself, apologized to the victim, and reached a settlement." He further appealed for leniency, stating, "The defendant has always tried to use her influence positively by supporting job projects and volunteering for abandoned dogs."

Lee Ji also read a written statement herself, tearfully saying, "I sincerely apologize to the driver who was harmed by the drunk driving accident." She added, "I will reflect on my life so far. I will live as a generous and virtuous person through giving and volunteering," appealing for leniency.

Lee Ji debuted in 2010 as a member of the group After School and also promoted as a member of the unit group Orange Caramel. She has been active since leaving After School in 2018.