Despite Crackdown Warnings... 416 Drunk Driving Cases on First 'Bulgeum' Night After Social Distancing Eased

License Revoked for 272 People, Suspended for 144 People

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The police conducted a nationwide simultaneous drunk driving crackdown for two hours starting from 10 p.m. on the 11th, marking the first "Bulgeum" (Burning Friday) since the easing of social distancing measures. As a result, 416 drunk drivers were caught. Among them, 272 were subject to license revocation, and 144 were subject to license suspension.

The National Police Agency announced the results of this drunk driving crackdown on the morning of the 12th. According to the police, the number of cases caught on this day increased by 16.9% compared to before the easing of social distancing (March 4). The number of license revocations increased by 17.7%, and license suspensions increased by 15.2%. The police analyzed that drunk driving also increased along with the easing of social distancing.

Earlier, the police had announced that on the night of the 10th, the first Friday night after the easing of social distancing, they would conduct a nationwide simultaneous drunk driving crackdown. The crackdown was scheduled to take place from 10 p.m. to midnight, around one hour before and after the closing time of multi-use facilities, at 258 police stations nationwide. However, despite this announcement, many drunk drivers were caught.

The police stated, "We plan to continue regular drunk driving crackdowns in the future," and added, "We will strictly respond according to the law and principles, including applying the crime of aiding and abetting to passengers."

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