'Athlete Career' Lost to Drunk Driving
Jeju Utd Player Yeon-su Yoo Retires at 25
A man in his 30s who caused a traffic accident while driving under the influence, injuring five people including Jeju United goalkeeper Yoo Yeon-su, has been sentenced to 5 years in prison by the prosecution.
On the 14th, the Jeju District Prosecutors' Office requested the Jeju District Court Criminal Division 1 (Judge Oh Ji-ae) to sentence Mr. A (35) to 5 years in prison at the sentencing hearing. They also asked for an order to complete a sexual violence treatment program, disclosure of personal information, and a 7-year employment restriction at institutions related to children, adolescents, and persons with disabilities.
Mr. A is currently charged with violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (dangerous driving causing injury) and quasi-forcible molestation.
The prosecution explained the reasons for the sentence, stating, "Mr. A caused an accident while driving in a state of intoxication, injuring five occupants of the victim vehicle, but made no effort to restore the damage. He also has not been forgiven by the victim for the forcible molestation."
Mr. A is accused of driving under the influence at around 5:40 a.m. on October 18 last year near the Gasiri intersection in Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo City, and hitting the side of a vehicle carrying Jeju United players, injuring five occupants. At the time of the accident, Mr. A's blood alcohol concentration was above the license cancellation level (0.08% or higher).
The victim vehicle carried Jeju United goalkeeper Kim Dong-jun, Yoo Yeon-su, Lim Jun-seop, and trainers. As a result of this accident, Yoo Yeon-su was diagnosed with paralysis of the lower body at the young age of 25 and ended his playing career after one year. The other occupants were not seriously injured.
In addition, Mr. A is also charged with molesting a woman in a state of incapacity to resist on January 15.
Yoo Yeon-su’s lawyer said, "Due to the critical injury, not only his playing career but also daily life has become difficult, and the victim side regrets that the defendant has made no apology or effort to reach a settlement."
Mr. A’s lawyer stated, "He admits all the charges. However, he continuously tried to contact the victim to apologize but was unable to reach her. The defendant is being portrayed as a shameless person without any conscience, but he is trying to show sincerity by borrowing money and selling property." He also said that the quasi-forcible molestation was committed because Mr. A, in a drunken state, mistook the victim for his wife.
Mr. A said, "I am sorry to those who were harmed because of me. If given the chance to apologize, I will immediately kneel and sincerely apologize. Since this happened because of alcohol, I will never touch alcohol again and live diligently." The sentencing hearing is scheduled for the 25th of next month.
Meanwhile, Jeju United held a special retirement ceremony for Yoo Yeon-su during halftime of the K League 1 match held at Jeju World Cup Stadium on the 11th of last month. Yoo Yeon-su appeared in a wheelchair and said, "(After being harmed by a drunk driving vehicle) it was really tough for a year, but I was able to endure it by reading fans’ texts and messages. I am very grateful."
He also shared on Instagram, "The word retirement felt distant, but due to the sudden accident, I had to retire. I will never forget the wholehearted support, applause, and voices for me. Thanks to the K League fans, I am very grateful to be able to leave the ground with a smile."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
