Actor Kim Sae-ron's Fine of 20 Million Won Confirmed for Drunk Driving Accident

Actor Kim Sae-ron (23), who drove under the influence and collided with roadside trees and a transformer, has had her fine confirmed.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the legal community on the 13th, neither Kim Sae-ron nor the prosecutor filed an appeal by the deadline the day before. Criminal trials allow appeals within 7 days from the date of sentencing.

On the 5th, Judge Lee Hwan-gi of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 4 sentenced Kim Sae-ron, who was charged with violating the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving and failure to take action after an accident), to a fine of 20 million won. This was the same sentence the prosecutor requested.

The court stated, "Drunk driving is a crime that can cause serious harm to the lives, bodies, and property of others. The defendant's driving distance at the time was not short," adding, "However, considering that she admitted her wrongdoing, compensated for most of the damages, and is a first-time offender."

Earlier, Kim Sae-ron was prosecuted for causing an accident around 8 a.m. on May 18 last year in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, where she drove under the influence and repeatedly hit guardrails and roadside trees. At that time, her vehicle also collided with a transformer, cutting off electricity supply to 57 nearby stores, which was restored after about three hours. During this process, some surrounding shops experienced power outages, causing damages such as inability to process card payments.

Because Kim Sae-ron refused a blood alcohol concentration test, the police requested a blood test from the National Forensic Service. The test results showed a blood alcohol concentration of over 0.2%, far exceeding the license cancellation level of 0.08%.

Kim Sae-ron, who debuted as a child actress, appeared in films such as "Ajeossi," "Neighbor," and "Babi," as well as dramas like "The Queen's Classroom" and "The Witch's Diner." After the accident, she withdrew from dramas and suspended her entertainment activities. Recently, it was reported that she faced financial difficulties and worked part-time at a cafe.