Prosecutors Demand 1-Year Prison Sentence for After School's Riezi in Drunk Driving Collision Case

Actress Lizzy (real name Park Soo-young), former member of After School

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The prosecution has requested a prison sentence for Lee Ji (real name Park Sooyoung, 29), a former member of the idol group After School and now an actress, who caused a rear-end collision while driving under the influence.

On the 27th, the prosecution asked the court to sentence her to one year in prison during the trial for dangerous driving causing injury under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes and drunk driving under the Road Traffic Act. The hearing was held at 10:45 a.m. at the Seoul Central District Court before Judge Yang Soeun of Criminal Division 21.

In court, Lee Ji’s defense attorney emphasized, "The defendant is reflecting on the social controversy caused," and added, "She reported the accident herself, apologized to the victim, and reached a settlement." The attorney also appealed for leniency, stating, "The defendant has always tried to use her influence positively by supporting job projects and volunteering for abandoned dogs."

Lee Ji read a handwritten statement, tearfully saying, "I sincerely apologize to the taxi driver who was harmed in the drunk driving accident." She continued, "I will reflect on my life so far. I will live as a generous and virtuous person through giving and volunteering," appealing for leniency.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on the 28th of next month.

Earlier, Lee Ji was indicted in June for driving under the influence on the evening of May 18 and crashing into a taxi near the southern end intersection of Yeongdong Bridge in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, injuring the driver.

At the time, Lee Ji’s blood alcohol concentration was at the level warranting license cancellation, and investigations confirmed that neither Lee Ji nor the taxi driver had passengers in their vehicles.

Her agency stated, "We deeply regret this inexcusable wrongdoing and take full responsibility," adding, "Lee Ji is sincerely remorseful and reflective." On the 14th, Lee Ji also broke down in tears during a live broadcast on her social media account, saying, "I did disappoint you. I know I was very wrong and I am sorry." However, she explained, "The taxi driver was not seriously injured, but the media reported it otherwise."

Lee Ji debuted in 2010 as a member of the group After School and was also active in the sub-unit group Orange Caramel. She has been pursuing solo activities since leaving After School in 2018.

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