'Refusal of Breathalyzer Test' Chungnam Provincial Assembly Member Choi Kwang-hee Apologizes... "Deeply Reflecting"

Choi Kwang-hee, a member of the Chungnam Provincial Assembly, who was arrested on the spot for refusing a breathalyzer test, is bowing his head in apology on the 15th. / Naepo = Photo by Kim Ah-young

Choi Kwang-hee, a member of the Chungnam Provincial Assembly, who was arrested on the spot after refusing a breathalyzer test following drunk driving, bowed his head and apologized on the 15th.

At the first plenary session of the 351st extraordinary meeting held that day, Assemblyman Choi stated, "As a provincial assembly member who should set an exemplary example more than anyone else, I apologize for tarnishing the honor of the assembly with my improper behavior."

He said, "I am reflecting on my careless moment thinking 'this much should be okay,'" and added, "Every time I see an unfortunate news article, I feel a pain as if my heart is being cut out with a knife due to the guilt of damaging the honor of the assembly."

He continued, "Even now, I hate and despise myself," and said, "I deeply repent and reflect, and will make sure that such an incident never happens again."

On the same day, Chairperson Jo Gil-yeon referred Assemblyman Choi to the Ethics Special Committee by his authority as chairperson.

Earlier, on the 20th of last month around 8:30 p.m., Assemblyman Choi was caught by the police after a citizen reported him for drunk driving in Boryeong. He refused the police's request for identity verification and a breathalyzer test, leading to his arrest on the spot. Choi, who was affiliated with the People Power Party, resigned from the party following the incident.