'Drunk Driving Collision' After School's Rhee Ji Fined 15 Million Won in First Trial

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

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Lee Ji (real name Park Sooyoung, 29), an actress and former member of the idol group After School, who caused a rear-end collision while driving under the influence, was sentenced to a fine of 15 million won in the first trial.

On the 28th at 10 a.m., Judge Yang Soeun of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 21 handed down this sentence to 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.

The court stated, "The defendant was driving in a state of intoxication, unable to drive normally, and caused a traffic accident," adding, "The blood alcohol concentration at the time was high, making corresponding punishment inevitable." However, the court also considered mitigating factors, saying, "The victim's injuries were minor, the defendant reached a settlement with the victim and does not wish for punishment, the defendant had comprehensive automobile insurance, and is deeply reflecting on the wrongdoing."

Earlier, Lee Ji was brought to trial 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 the time, Lee Ji's blood alcohol concentration was at the level warranting license cancellation, and it was confirmed that there were no passengers in either vehicle.

Initially, the prosecution requested a one-year prison sentence for Lee Ji during the final hearing. In contrast, Lee Ji's defense attorney emphasized in the closing argument, "The defendant is reflecting on causing social controversy," and "She reported the accident herself, apologized to the victim, and reached a settlement." The defense also appealed for leniency, stating, "The defendant has consistently used her influence for good causes, supporting job projects and volunteering for abandoned dogs."

Lee Ji tearfully said, "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 was also active as a member of the unit group Orange Caramel. She has been pursuing her activities independently since leaving After School in 2018.