Situations Suitable for Applying the 'Widmark Formula'
Coordinating Police Appearance Schedule
Companion's Statement Secured via Phone
Jo Ji-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, stated on the 20th regarding the case of trot singer Kim Ho-joong, who is accused of drunk driving and hit-and-run, “We expect the agency, Saenggak Entertainment, and Mr. Kim to actively cooperate with the police investigation.”
At a regular press briefing that day, Commissioner Jo said, “There have been situations different from the official statements so far, so necessary investigations have been conducted,” and added, “I believe that people who receive public love have public duties. I hope for responsible behavior.”
Regarding the proof of drunk driving charges, Commissioner Jo explained, “Usually, the Widmark formula is applied. There are precedents both recognizing and rejecting it,” and continued, “In this case, I believe the Widmark formula can be sufficiently applied. The focus is on proving the amount of alcohol and the causal relationship with driving.” The Widmark formula is a method to estimate blood alcohol concentration over time based on the type of alcohol consumed and body weight.
Commissioner Jo also commented on the timing of Mr. Kim’s police appearance, saying, “There is no problem if he comes out today, and an investigation can proceed immediately,” and “The agency and the investigation team will coordinate the schedule.”
Those who accompanied Mr. Kim at the drinking party were interviewed by phone. Commissioner Jo said, “Most statements were secured by phone,” and added, “If the statements of the companions differ from Mr. Kim’s or if necessary, they can be summoned for investigation.”
Mr. Kim initially denied the charges of drunk driving and hit-and-run but admitted to them after ten days. On the 19th, after finishing a performance in Changwon, he released a statement saying, “I drove under the influence. I deeply regret and reflect on my actions. I will sincerely cooperate with the police investigation,” and “I want to sincerely apologize for causing hurt and disappointment to many people due to my momentary wrong judgment.”
Mr. Kim is accused of causing a collision with a taxi around 11:40 p.m. on the 9th in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and fleeing the scene. He appeared at the police station only at 4:30 p.m. the following day. Circumstances of Mr. Kim’s drunk driving have gradually emerged. On the 17th, the police received urine test results from the National Forensic Service (NFS) indicating that Mr. Kim was judged to have consumed alcohol before the accident. The NFS replied, “Considering that about 20 hours passed between the accident and urine collection, alcohol metabolites (byproducts produced during the body’s processing of alcohol) exceeding the standard for judging intoxication were detected, indicating alcohol consumption before the accident.”
CCTV footage showing Mr. Kim leaving a nightlife establishment and calling a designated driver before going home was released, and the police reportedly secured a recorded file in which Mr. Kim directly asked his manager, “I had an accident while driving under the influence. Please appear on my behalf.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
