Former President of Far East University Fined for Drunk Driving Accident

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jung] Professor Kim Beom-jung (51) of Far East University, who previously served as the president of Far East University, was sentenced to a fine for causing a traffic accident while driving under the influence.

On the 14th, Chief Judge Yoo Chang-hoon of the Criminal Division 7 at the Seoul Western District Court announced that Professor Kim, who was tried on charges of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (dangerous driving causing injury) and the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving), was sentenced to a fine of 9 million won.

Professor Kim was prosecuted for causing a chain collision on a road in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, around 10:20 p.m. on September 25 last year while driving his car under the influence of alcohol. Five victims in two vehicles sustained injuries requiring 2 to 3 weeks of medical treatment. At the time, Professor Kim’s blood alcohol concentration was measured at 0.123%, which is above the license cancellation level.

He had previously received a summary order fine of 1.5 million won for drunk driving from the Seoul Central District Court in 2006.

Chief Judge Yoo stated the sentencing reasons, saying, "Despite Kim’s prior punishment for drunk driving, he reoffended, and his blood alcohol level was not light," but added, "The degree of injury was not severe, and he reached an amicable settlement with the victims."

Professor Kim is the second son of Kim Yong-jun (82), former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court and chairman of the Presidential Transition Committee under the Park Geun-hye administration. He also served as president of Far East University from 2013 to 2015.

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