A Korean Drunk Driver Kills A Student In A School Zone — Victim’s Brother Pleads For Stronger Punishments For DUIs

A few months ago, a drunk driver hit and killed a young girl in Daejeon, Korea. The victim’s older brother’s words at the trial brought to light the tragedy once again.

Students wrote notes for a memorial space at the scene of Bae Seung Ah’s death. | Daejeon Ilbo

On April 8, a man drove drunk in a school zone in broad daylight at 2:20 p.m. (KST) and hit a 9-year-old girl named Bae Seung Ah. He drove recklessly and hit a total of four girls aged nine to twelve who were walking on the sidewalk. Bae Seung Ah was taken to the hospital after the accident but tragically passed away.

| YTN 

At the time of the accident, the 60-year-old drunk driver’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.108%, significantly exceeding the legal limit of 0.08%.

| YTN

On August 21, the second trial of the former public official drunk driver was held. He was accused of fatal traffic violations, including causing death through dangerous driving in a school zone, under the Specific Crimes Heavier Punishment Act.

During the trial, Bae Seung Ah’s older brother testified that “no matter what, Seung Ah will not come back” and that “no one should experience the same pain as [them].”

Bae Seung Ah’s funeral was held on the morning of August 11. | News1

In tears, he then pleaded for the punishment for DUIs to be higher in order to wake people up about the issue of drunk driving.

I cannot change the world or the law, but I urge you to impose the maximum penalty as a precedent to wake people up to the seriousness of drunk driving.

— Bae Seung Ah’s older brother

When asked by the prosecutor whether he had any intention of reaching a settlement with the drunk driver, the brother firmly responded, “Absolutely not.”

The drunk driver was transferred to the court from Dunsan Police Station on April 10. | Daejeon Ilbo

Bae Seung Ah’s older brother also expressed his frustration about how the defendant has “not even offered a single apology” or contacted them since the accident. He criticized the defendant for submitting a letter of reflection only to the court, which he saw as an attempt to manipulate the situation further.

He also cried as he grieved the loss of his sister. When asked if he had any words for her, he apologized for not being able to save her—showing his pain.

I’m sorry that I couldn’t save you at the hospital, and I’m sorry for letting you suffer. If I meet you as your brother again in the next life, I want to live happily together.

— Bae Seung Ah’s older brother

Throughout the trial, the drunk driver kept his head bowed and did not show his face. The next trial is scheduled for September 20, along with the emotional impact statement from other injury victims.

The First Lady of South Korea pays respect at the memorial space for Bae Seung Ah. | Executive Office of the President

During the police investigation, it was revealed that the defendant had a prior history of drunk driving. He stated during the investigation that based on his past experiences, he believed that having one or two drinks before driving would be fine.