Unlicensed 185 km/h 'Terrifying Speed'... Reckless Driving Official Dismissed and Sentenced to Prison

1 Year and 6 Months Imprisonment with 3 Years Probation
"Crime Seriously Undermining Legal Order"

Mr. A was prosecuted for driving 185 km from Taebaek to Hongcheon without a driver's license last February. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Juri] A public official lost their position after reckless driving involving unlicensed lane changes and speeding.

On the 8th, Chief Judge Song Jong-seon of Chuncheon District Court Criminal Division 1 announced that A (55), who was indicted for violating the Road Traffic Act, was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison with a 3-year probation. He was also ordered to attend 40 hours of lawful driving lectures and perform 80 hours of community service.

A was tried for driving 185 km from Taebaek to Hongcheon without a driver's license around 1:45 p.m. on February 4.

Additional charges included reckless driving on the Jungang Expressway, where he changed lanes about 20 times over a 30 km section in a way that could obstruct other vehicles and repeatedly exceeded the speed limit about 30 times.

Furthermore, he rammed a police patrol car that had arrived on the scene and fled, resulting in additional charges of obstruction of official duties and damage to public property.

Chief Judge Song explained the sentencing, saying, "Despite having a history of at least two fines for drunk driving, the defendant committed acts that seriously undermine public order, making the crime not minor." He added, "Considering that the defendant appears to have been dismissed from his position due to this incident, among other factors."