"Porsche Driver Admits All Charges in First Trial for Drugged Driving"

"Sincerely Regretful... Settlement Ongoing with Victims"

The driver of a Porsche, who caused an accident by crashing off Banpo Bridge in Seoul while under the influence of drugs, admitted to all charges during the first trial.

Seoul Western District Court, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

On May 21, Lee Taeyoung, the presiding judge of the 7th Criminal Division of the Seoul Western District Court, held the first hearing for Mr. A (34), who was indicted and detained on charges of causing injury by dangerous driving, driving under the influence of drugs in violation of the Road Traffic Act, and violating the Narcotics Control Act.

Mr. A was put on trial for allegedly causing an accident at approximately 8:44 p.m. on February 25, while driving under the influence of drugs, by crashing into the guardrail of Banpo Bridge and plunging down to the Han River riverside below.

It was reported that one victim suffered serious injuries requiring about eight weeks of treatment, while another victim sustained injuries requiring approximately two weeks of treatment. At the time of the accident, a large number of empty propofol vials, disposable syringes filled with drugs, and medical tubes were found in Mr. A's vehicle.

It was determined that Mr. A had purchased propofol through so-called "throwing" style contactless transactions, in which drugs are hidden in places such as hospital restrooms to evade crackdowns. From January 21 until the day before the accident, February 24, Mr. A purchased a total of 16 vials of propofol from his accomplice, nurse assistant Ms. B, over the course of about one month.

At the trial, Mr. A’s attorney stated, "The defendant admits all the charges and sincerely regrets his actions," and added, "We are in the process of reaching settlements with the victims."

The next hearing is scheduled to take place on July 7.

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