Newsnomics AJAY ANGELINA reporter |

A man in his 30s sentenced to 7 years in prison, on being killing a 3rd grade elementary school student at a

child protection zone in Cheongdam-dong,Gangnam Gu, Seoul by violating the law of driving in a drunk

condition.

A man is charged of violating the Act on Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes (Fleeing and Killing)

and got the imprisonment of 7 years from the Presiding Judge of the 24th Criminal Agreement Division of the Central District Court, Seoul.

Choi Gyeong-seo, the judge of the Central district court said “the accident could have been avoided if the

duty to keep an eye on the front and the duty to safety were faithful, but the quality of the crime is not very

good because it was not avoided.” 

He pointed out, “the second accident occurred to the victim because the defendant did not immediately stop and left the scene of the accident.”

The young victim died tragically in a without even realizing his dreams” he said" 

Added, “there is no way to fathom the grief that the bereaved family will have to endure for the rest of their

lives, and the accused has not been forgiven, so a severe punishment commensurate with the guilt is needed.”

However, the court judged that it was difficult to admit the intention to flee given the circumstances in which

the accused returned to the scene within a short time after the accident, identified himself as the perpetrator, and requested a 119 report to rescue the victim. 

The victim's family met with reporters after the court hearing and said, "I am disappointed with the court's

judgement. In terms of preventing recurrence, this sentence is so outrageously short that (the prosecution)

wants to appeal."

Previously, in December 2022, the perpetrator was handed over to trial on allegations of killing a third-year

elementary school student who was returning home after finishing the school and was founded drunk with

blood alcohol level 0.128%, which was above the level of license cancellation (0.08%).

In the previous trial, the father of the victim, appealed for strict punishment of 20 years said, “After the

accident, I feel helpless in a far abyss where I can’t even see an inch ahead.”

But the prosecutor denied that he had “run away after an accident”, said “he did not recognize that he had

hit the victim and that he had gone over the drainage ditch.” 

“I am really sorry. I think every day that if a child can go back to her parents even at the cost of her own life, she really wants to do that.” Added in his previous final statement.