Suspect in Traffic Accident Triggering the 'Minsik Act' Sentenced to 5 Years Imprisonment

Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Juhee] A man identified as A (44) who was arrested and prosecuted for hitting and killing 9-year-old Kim Minsik with a vehicle at a school zone crosswalk has been sentenced to 5 years in prison.

On the 16th, the prosecution requested a 5-year prison sentence for A, who was charged with violating the Special Act on Traffic Accidents (causing death), during the sentencing hearing held at the Cheonan Branch of the Daejeon District Court, Criminal Division 2 (Judge Choi Jaewon).

The prosecution stated, "Minsik, who should have been in his mother's arms, can no longer be seen. Although A has confessed, a child victim died in a traffic accident at a school zone crosswalk," adding, "The bereaved family has suffered great wounds, and since no settlement has been reached yet, we are requesting the maximum sentence of 5 years in prison."

A's defense attorney appealed for leniency, saying, "It is very unfortunate that a child victim died. The defendant did not notice the child due to a vehicle parked on the left side that day and was driving at 23.6 km/h, which is below the speed limit of 30 km/h," and added, "He himself has been deeply shocked and has been reflecting for a long time."

He continued, "He deeply regrets that such a fatal accident occurred. His heart is heavy, and he apologizes. He is sincerely reflecting and hopes for forgiveness."

The sentencing trial for A is scheduled to be held at 10 a.m. on April 27.

A was charged with hitting and killing Kim Minsik at a school zone crosswalk in front of the main gate of a middle school in Asan around 6 p.m. on September 11 last year, and causing injuries requiring two weeks of medical treatment to Minsik's younger sibling.

This incident led to the enactment of the so-called "Minsik Act," which strengthens penalties for perpetrators of child traffic accidents. The law passed the National Assembly plenary session and has been in effect since the 25th of last month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.