BJ Attempts to Reverse at Tollgate to Use Hi-Pass
Controversy Arises, Says "It's Not Like I'll Get Arrested"
Apologizes for Attitude Criticism: "Sorry for Not Being Serious"
An internet broadcaster is facing backlash after live-streaming himself reversing at a highway tollgate. BJ A, active on AfreecaTV, mistakenly entered the cash/card payment lane instead of the Hi-Pass lane during a live broadcast on the 30th of last month and reversed for several seconds to change lanes.
In the video, A said, "Ah, wait a moment, I came the wrong way. I don't have cash, what should I do? Is it okay to reverse here?" He then added, "I didn't come through the Hi-Pass lane, but the cash payment lane. I guess I can just switch back," and proceeded to reverse. When a viewer commented, "You can just go through," trying to stop him from changing lanes, A asked, "I can just go through?" and continued driving in the original lane. Fortunately, no accident occurred, but the situation could have easily caused a major accident.
After hearing from a fellow BJ that his actions were causing controversy, A said, "Why are you like this, everyone? This can't be true, right? It's not like I'm going to get arrested, is it?" which further fueled the controversy. When the fellow BJ emphasized the seriousness of the matter, A said, "I panicked and made a snap decision. I thought I should wait until the cars passed and then go to the Hi-Pass lane. I'm sorry. I won't do such reckless things again."
However, A’s attitude, including several instances of smiling, sparked further criticism. As netizens continued to criticize him with comments like "He doesn't understand the seriousness of the situation," "How can he be laughing?" and "He almost caused a huge disaster," A held another apology broadcast. He stated, "I should have understood the seriousness, and I apologize for not taking it seriously," and added, "I voluntarily reported my actions to the police, but since no accident occurred, I was told there are no charges."
Meanwhile, the Road Traffic Act designates violations such as disobeying signals or instructions, crossing the center line, and illegal U-turns or reversing as 'threatening driving.' Repeated offenses of such behavior can result in a fine of up to 5 million won or imprisonment for up to one year.
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