Kim Sae-ron, downfall of her own choosing due to drinking

“This will never happen again. I reflect on this and am truly sorry.”

Actress Kim Sae-ron, who caused an accident while driving while intoxicated, said this at her first trial. He admitted all his sins.

On the morning of the 8th, Judge Lee Hwan-ki of the 4th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court held the first trial date for Kim Sae-ron, who was indicted on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving), and her passenger, Mr. A, who was also indicted on charges of aiding and abetting drunk driving. On this day, Kim Sae-ron appeared with her hair tied up and wearing a black top and cardigan. Although he wore a mask, his face appeared without makeup.

Kim Sae-ron's lawyer explained, "Kim Sae-ron said that she lives a life that avoids alcohol as much as possible. She also sold all the vehicles she owned, apologized directly to the victims, and paid all damages." He also said, "The defendant was supporting his family as the head of the household. As a result of this incident, not only the defendant but also his family is suffering from hardships."

Kim Sae-ron, who appeared in court, admitted to all charges. He said, “This will never happen again. I am truly sorry. I am reflecting.”

The prosecution pointed out, "He drove while drunk and caused an accident while his blood alcohol level was very high, but he fled without taking any action, so his crime is very serious." However, considering the fact that he admitted to all of the crimes and that it was his first offense, we are requesting a fine of 20 million won,” he said. He requested a fine of 5 million won for Mr. A.

After the trial ended, Kim Sae-ron shed tears. He said, “I spent my time working part-time.” However, when asked about his return, he said, "I'm sorry."

Kim Sae-ron got behind the wheel while intoxicated at around 8 a.m. on May 18 last year at Hakdong intersection in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. He was put on trial on charges of causing an accident in which he hit a street tree and a transformer several times.

Due to the accident, the area around the accident site was blacked out for approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. As a result, surrounding commercial areas suffered damage. After the accident, Kim Sae-ron refused to have her blood alcohol level measured by the police, and the police took her blood at a nearby hospital. According to a blood sampling analysis conducted by the National Institute of Forensic Science, Kim Sae-ron's blood alcohol content was 0.2%, which is above the license revocation level (0.08%).

Kim Sae-ron posted a handwritten letter of apology on social media. He said, "I made a big mistake while drunk. With my wrong judgment and actions, I caused harm to so many people, including merchants in nearby shopping malls, citizens, and those who helped restore the area. I should have acted more carefully and responsibly, but I did not." “We were unable to do so. We sincerely apologize. We are currently in the process of resolving the damage caused by the accident with the company, and we will do our best to communicate and actively resolve the issue until the end.”

Kim Sae-ron, who suffered hardships due to an accident, was seen working part-time. However, after the accident, he was on the chopping block once again. To celebrate his birthday, he made an invitation with the words ‘Body and Alcohol’ written on it and sent it to an acquaintance. This was only a month after he was sent to the prosecution for drunk driving. In addition, after posting a photo of a cigarette and a painting on social media, it became a hot topic.

Kim Sae-ron, who debuted as a child actor, boasted about her life on Young & Rich. Kim Sae-ron, who got behind the wheel while intoxicated, brought down the road herself. Even during self-reflection, it became a topic of gossip, creating a sense of irony. Kim Sae-ron admitted her guilt and even shed tears. I hope these tears are not crocodile tears.

Kang Min-kyung, Ten Asia reporter kkk39@tenasia.co.kr