'Refusal of Breath Test Charge' Shin Hye-sung Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison... "Drank Alcohol After Several Years, Blacked Out"

The prosecution has requested a two-year prison sentence for Shin Hye-sung (real name Jeong Pil-gyo, 44), a member of the group Shinhwa, who was brought to trial on charges of refusing a breathalyzer test and driving someone else's car to return home.

Shinhwa member Shin Hye-sung (real name Jung Pil-gyo), who was indicted on charges of refusing a breathalyzer test and driving someone else's car home (refusal of breathalyzer test and illegal use of a vehicle under the Road Traffic Act), is attending his first trial on the morning of the 6th at the Seoul Eastern District Court in Songpa-gu.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 6th, Judge Lee Min-ji of the Criminal Division 4 at the Seoul Eastern District Court held the first trial for Shin, who was indicted on charges of refusing a breathalyzer test and illegal use of a vehicle under the Road Traffic Act. The prosecution asked the court to sentence Shin to two years in prison.

On that day, Shin entered the courtroom wearing a dark-colored hat and stated, "I admit all the charges. While working as a singer for 25 years, I experienced mental difficulties, and after meeting an old acquaintance and confiding my struggles, I drank alcohol for the first time in years and blacked out." He added, "Although it was wrong behavior as a public figure, I did not habitually drink or drive under the influence."

Shin's lawyer explained, "Since he got into the vehicle with an acquaintance, it was a mistake thinking it was his own car, not an attempt to use someone else's car without permission," and added, "He refused the breathalyzer test because he had fallen asleep and was startled by the sudden request."

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 1:40 p.m. on the 20th.