Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Cambodian Diplomat's 'Refusal of Breathalyzer Test': "Departure Recommended if Repeated"

Drunk Driving Caught on the 11th

On the 13th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced regarding the Cambodian diplomat in Korea who was booked by the police on suspicion of refusing a breathalyzer test under the Road Traffic Act, stating that "in case of recurrence, voluntary departure will be recommended."

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "We are in close communication with the police and the Cambodian Embassy in Korea," and added, "Today, we informed the Cambodian Embassy that drunk driving is strictly prohibited under domestic law and that in case of recurrence, the diplomat will be advised to voluntarily leave the country."

They also added that embassy officials were summoned in relation to this incident.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns the embassy separately from police administrative measures when foreign diplomats stationed in Korea are caught drunk driving and demands prevention of recurrence. They also summon embassy officials, including the head of mission, to make them aware of such matters.

Recently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been encouraging compliance with domestic regulations by officially requesting all diplomatic missions and international organizations stationed in Korea not to engage in drunk driving through diplomatic notes.

The Yongsan Police Station in Seoul announced on the same day that they are investigating a diplomat A from the Cambodian Embassy in Korea on suspicion of refusing a breathalyzer test under the Road Traffic Act.

According to the police, A was caught drunk driving near Samgakji Station in Seoul around 3 a.m. on the 11th. The police requested a breathalyzer test several times, but he reportedly refused for about an hour.

Last month, a diplomat working at the Mongolian Embassy in Korea was also caught by the police for drunk driving.

Diplomats enjoy immunity privileges such as exemption from criminal jurisdiction in the host country unless there is an explicit waiver by the sending country, according to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.