Actor Son Seung-won, known as the first celebrity to be charged under the "Yoon Chang-ho Law," has reportedly been sent to trial for his fifth DUI offense. The controversy has intensified following allegations that he drove a vehicle without a license while awaiting trial.
According to a report by JTBC News on the 14th, Son was caught by police last November for driving under the influence without a license, during which he drove against traffic on the Gangbyeon Expressway. This marks his fifth DUI offense.
At the time, Son's blood alcohol concentration was reportedly at a level of extreme intoxication, more than double the legal limit for license revocation (0.08%).
Notably, JTBC reported that even though Son had submitted an apology letter and a statement to the court claiming he would "receive hospital treatment to ensure no further alcohol-related issues occur," he was spotted driving a vehicle himself without a license in the Hannam-dong area of Seoul on the 8th.
According to the report, Son was seen getting into the driver's seat of a BMW after visiting a hair salon and later headed to a bar to drink with acquaintances. The vehicle is reportedly the same one he used during his DUI incident last year.
Son is currently standing trial at the Seoul Western District Court on charges including violation of the Road Traffic Act (DUI). The prosecution has requested a four-year prison sentence, and the first-instance ruling is scheduled for June 11.
Previously, in 2018, Son was indicted for driving under the influence without a license in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and fleeing the scene after causing an accident, for which he was sentenced to one year and six months in prison. At the time, he sparked public outrage as the first celebrity to be subject to the so-called "Yoon Chang-ho Law."
Son debuted in 2009 with the musical "Spring Awakening" and appeared in stage productions such as "Hedwig," "The Days," and "Bare: The Musical," as well as dramas including "Hello, My Twenties!," "My Lawyer, Mr. Jo," and "Person Who Gives Happiness." However, he has effectively ceased all entertainment activities following his repeated DUI controversies.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
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