Athlete's Career Ended by Drunk Driving Incident
A driver who caused a traffic accident while driving under the influence, which ended the career of Jeju United goalkeeper Yoo Yeon-su, was sentenced to prison.
The Jeju District Court Criminal Division 1 (Judge Oh Ji-ae) sentenced A (36), who was indicted without detention on charges of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (dangerous driving causing injury) and quasi-forcible molestation, to four years in prison and ordered his immediate detention on the 25th. In addition, A was ordered to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program and was banned from employment at child and youth-related institutions and institutions related to persons with disabilities for five years.
A is accused of driving a car over the speed limit in a state of severe intoxication with a blood alcohol concentration above the license cancellation level (0.08% or higher) at around 5:40 a.m. on October 18, 2022, at the Gasiri Intersection in Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo City, and colliding with a vehicle carrying Jeju United players, injuring five occupants. The victim vehicle included Jeju United goalkeepers Kim Dong-jun, Yoo Yeon-su, Lim Jun-seop, and trainers.
The retirement ceremony of player Yoo Yeon-su held last November at Jeju Seogwipo World Cup Stadium. [Image provided by Jeju United]
Among them, Yoo Yeon-su was seriously injured and underwent emergency surgery but suffered fatal injuries, including paralysis of the lower body. Yoo Yeon-su devoted nearly a year to rehabilitation but ultimately decided to retire from active play in November last year, ending his career at the young age of 25. Additionally, A is also accused of molesting a woman in a state unable to resist on January 15 of last year.
Earlier, at the December trial, the prosecution requested a five-year prison sentence for A, stating that "he made no effort to restore the damage to the victims."
On the day of sentencing, Judge Oh said, "The defendant’s crime is serious, having caused an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol," adding, "His blood alcohol concentration was high, and he inflicted severe injuries on victim Yoo, causing him to retire from professional football, thereby causing irreparable pain to the victims."
She continued, "Only one traffic accident victim reached a settlement, while the others petitioned for severe punishment and refused to accept the criminal deposit. The defendant also has a prior record of drunk driving. However, considering that he admitted to the crime and showed remorse, and that the vehicle was covered by comprehensive insurance which supported medical expenses, these factors were taken into account in sentencing."
The retirement ceremony of player Yoo Yeon-su held last November at Jeju Seogwipo World Cup Stadium. [Image source=Yoo Yeon-su Instagram]
Immediately after the sentencing, Yoo Yeon-su’s mother expressed her frustration and grievance, saying, "The defendant did not even apologize to us in court. Our son has to live disabled for life, but A will serve four years in prison and then return to normal life." She added, "Yeon-su still needs a lot of rehabilitation, but he is living brightly and will continue to devote himself to recovery."
In November last year, Yoo Yeon-su posted on his Instagram, "The word 'retirement' felt distant, but due to a sudden accident, I had to retire. I will never forget the boundless support, applause, and voices for me. Thanks to K League fans, I can leave the field with a smile, and I am very grateful."
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