Sharing 'Tips' Among Members Through Disclosure of Various Sentencing Information
As cases of fleeing to evade the law, like trot singer Kim Ho-jung who was suspected of drunk driving, continue to emerge, online communities and cafes that help receive lenient administrative penalties for drunk driving or hit-and-run incidents have come under scrutiny. Recently, a post was uploaded on an online cafe stating, "In 2009 and 2017, my license was revoked twice, and earlier this year, I received a license suspension. Since it was my third drunk driving offense, I didn't have high expectations, but fortunately, I was cleared of charges and saved. Thanks to the OO cafe." This is a review posted by a netizen in January on a so-called 'drunk driving relief cafe.'
Amid a series of cases where individuals evade the law, like trot singer Kim Hojoong who was suspected of drunk driving, online communities and cafes that help people receive lenient administrative penalties for drunk driving or hit-and-run incidents have come under scrutiny. [Photo by Naver Cafe]
In this cafe alone, over 30 applications for drunk driving relief were posted this month. It is known that the current membership reaches 80,000. Another cafe has 40,000 members. There is even a bulletin board where members ask about criminal procedures before and after police investigations. Drunk driving relief cafes are mostly operated by administrative agents who run their businesses by posting their phone numbers. Therefore, professional sentencing materials are also posted regarding other traffic crimes such as unlicensed driving and hit-and-run, in addition to drunk driving.
One member left a review saying, "I was very distressed after being caught for the fourth time for drunk driving, but the prosecutor showed leniency with a fine," and "I am grateful to the administrative agents who helped me." This member is known to have been caught for drunk driving four times in total, in 2005, 2010, 2014, and May 2024. Another cafe posts materials and legal theories needed for license relief by occupation in a serialized manner.
Of course, even if someone commits drunk driving, they can exercise their legal defense rights by strategizing with a lawyer or making efforts to seek relief from administrative penalties. In fact, administrative agents who operate relief cafes claim, "Drunk driving is wrong," but also argue that "necessary relief should be provided depending on the severity of the crime and the circumstances."
Some express concerns that such online communities or cafes may encourage repeat drunk driving offenses. In response, netizens commented, "Aren't they accomplices at that level?" "It's a gathering of criminals," "Cafes sharing information to escape punishment should be shut down," and "People who join such cafes must intend to drive drunk."
Despite the Enforcement of the 'Yoon Chang-ho Act,' the Recidivism Rate for Drunk Driving Remains in the 40% Range
According to the Samsung Traffic Safety Culture Research Institute of Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, even after the enforcement of the "Yoon Chang-ho Act" in 2019, which strengthened penalties for drunk driving, the recidivism rate for drunk driving (being caught two or more times) has remained in the 40% range. In fact, last year's recidivism rate increased by 0.1 percentage points from the previous year to 42.3%, showing an upward trend. [Photo by Asia Economy]
According to Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance’s Samsung Traffic Safety Culture Research Institute, even after the enforcement of the 'Yoon Chang-ho Act' in 2019, which strengthened penalties for drunk driving, the recidivism rate (being caught two or more times) for drunk driving remains in the 40% range. In fact, last year’s recidivism rate was 42.3%, showing an increase of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year.
In response, the government has amended the Road Traffic Act to prevent habitual drunk driving, effective from October 25. Under this amendment, repeat drunk drivers within five years can only drive vehicles equipped with prevention devices. The drunk driving prevention device tests the driver’s breath before starting the vehicle and only allows the engine to start if no alcohol is detected.
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