Actor Son Seung-won, wearing a prison uniform, appeals against the four-year prison term recommendation for five instances of drunk driving: "I regret and blame myself" [Star Scene] [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

The Prosecution Service has requested a four-year prison sentence, matching the original indictment, for actor Son Seung-won, who received a suspended sentence in the first instance on charges of drunk driving. Meanwhile, Son Seung-won expressed remorse and repentance.

On the 23rd, the Seoul Western District Court's First Criminal Division (Appeal) (B) held the first appeal trial for Son Seung-won on charges including violation of the Road Traffic Act (causing injury while fleeing under the Special Crimes Aggravated Punishment Act).

Previously, the Prosecution Service had requested a four-year prison sentence during the closing arguments in the first instance, and the first-instance court sentenced Son Seung-won to one year in prison last month. The Prosecution Service then appealed, arguing that the sentencing was inappropriate, leading to the current appeal proceedings.

Son Seung-won, who is currently detained, appeared in court wearing a prison uniform today.

The Prosecution Service requested the same four-year prison sentence as originally recommended during the first-instance closing arguments. Son Seung-won's side acknowledged the crime, expressed repentance, and accepted the original verdict, asking the court to dismiss the Prosecution Service's appeal.

In his final statement, Son Seung-won said, "I have admitted to all charges in the first trial and accept that I am being imprisoned as punishment for my actions. Throughout my incarceration, from the moment I wake up in the morning until I fall asleep at night, I feel regret and blame myself."

Furthermore, Son Seung-won appealed to the presiding judge, saying, "Please review the sentencing materials and letter of repentance I submitted since the warrant review hearing. During the remaining period of my sentence, I will spend time in reflection and accept my punishment. When I am eventually released into society, I will live diligently for my family and will not make the same mistake again."

His girlfriend, who was also brought to trial alongside Son Seung-won, said, "I am sorry for causing confusion to law enforcement authorities due to my wrongful actions. I could not refuse Son Seung-won's request, so I removed the black box SD card. There is no room for justification."

She continued, "Since related articles were published, I have lost my job and am facing financial difficulties, unable to provide living expenses for my family. However, this does not mean I am asking for leniency. I will never commit such foolish mistakes again and will live as a responsible member of society who fulfills obligations to my family and community. I am truly sorry."

Son Seung-won was arrested in flagrante delicto last November for driving the Gangbyeon Expressway in reverse while heavily intoxicated for about two minutes. He was brought to trial in February this year. At the time, his blood alcohol concentration was reported to be 0.165%, more than double the license revocation threshold of 0.08%. Immediately after the accident, he falsely told police that a designated driver had abandoned the car and instructed his girlfriend to remove the black box storage device, indicating an attempt to destroy evidence.

This marks the fifth time Son Seung-won has been caught drunk driving. Previously, in 2018, he was prosecuted for drunk driving in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, where he collided with a vehicle ahead and fled. He was sentenced to one year and six months in prison at that time. At the time, his license had already been revoked three times due to prior drunk driving offenses. Consequently, Son Seung-won became the first entertainer to be punished under the so-called "Yoon Chang-ho Law" (amended Special Crimes Aggravated Punishment Act and Road Traffic Act).

Meanwhile, the court announced that it will deliver its verdict at 2:30 p.m. on August 13.

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*This content was translated by AI.