50s Driver Involved in First Death Under ‘Minsik Law’ Has Arrest Warrant Denied

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] After the enforcement of the amended Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, commonly known as the 'Minsik Law,' a detention warrant for a driver in his 50s who caused a fatal accident in a school zone was dismissed.

According to the Jeonju District Court, "Although a serious outcome occurred where a child victim died due to a traffic accident caused by the suspect's negligence, the suspect admitted to his negligence and sufficient evidence was collected. Furthermore, there is room for dispute regarding the establishment of the crime." The court stated, "Considering the suspect's criminal record, residence, and family circumstances, there is no reason or necessity for detention," explaining the reason for dismissing the warrant.

The driver, Mr. A (53), is accused of hitting and killing B (2), who was near a bus stop, while making an illegal U-turn on a road in the school zone of Banwol-dong, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju City, at around 12:15 p.m. the previous day.

B’s parents were also present at the time but could not prevent the accident. It is known that Mr. A’s vehicle speed was below 30 km/h. The police requested the National Forensic Service to analyze the black box to verify the exact speed.

This accident is the first fatal incident to occur 58 days after the enforcement of the Minsik Law.

The Minsik Law stipulates that if a driver causes the death of a victim due to negligence in the duty of safe driving within a school zone, they shall be punished by life imprisonment or imprisonment for three years or more.

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