Apgujeong Rolls-Royce Man Denies Charges, Blames Hospital Again in Appeal Trial

Shin Mo (29), who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in the first trial for driving a Rolls-Royce under the influence of drugs, crashing onto a sidewalk, hitting pedestrians, and fleeing the scene, partially denied his charges at the first hearing of the second trial.

On the 12th, the 5-2 Criminal Appeals Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judges Kim Yong-jung, Kim Ji-sun, and So Byung-jin) held the first appeal hearing for Shin, who was indicted on charges including violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (hit-and-run causing death or injury). Shin’s defense attorney argued, as in the first trial, that Shin did not intentionally flee and blamed the hospital’s negligence in management, stating that Shin had not rested sufficiently after drug administration at the time.

Shin’s defense attorney stated, "Shin was administered (drugs) twice at the hospital," and "He was in a state where he could not rest sufficiently, but the hospital made everyone leave, including those remaining for training purposes." The court accepted the defense’s request to summon a resident doctor from the hospital as a witness that day.

Shin Mo, known as the 'Apgujeong Rolls-Royce' driver accused of hitting a pedestrian while driving under the influence of drugs, is being transferred from the Seoul Gangnam Police Station to the Central District Prosecutors' Office on August 18 last year.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

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On the other hand, the bereaved family members attending the trial pleaded for a severe punishment for Shin. The family said, "It is outrageous that he is appealing to reduce his sentence, and it is very difficult as the victim’s family," and added, "How can we forgive a shameless criminal who has not apologized even once and shows no remorse?" They requested a heavy sentence. It is known that Shin submitted a letter of apology to the court before the appeal trial began on the 8th. Regarding the contents of the letter, Shin’s defense attorney said, "There is nothing to say," and did not disclose further details.

Shin is accused of driving a Rolls-Royce onto a sidewalk near Apgujeong Station around 8:10 p.m. on August 2 last year, hitting a woman in her 20s (27 at the time), injuring her, and fleeing without providing aid. The victim, who fell into a brain-dead state, suffered severe injuries requiring 24 weeks of treatment and surgery but passed away on November 25 last year, about three months after the accident. At the time of the accident, Shin is also suspected of driving under the influence of psychotropic drugs administered as part of a cosmetic skin treatment under general anesthesia.

In particular, Shin drew public outrage as it was reported that after the accident, when bystanders rushed to rescue the victim trapped under the car, he was only looking at his mobile phone and left the scene several minutes later. However, he denied the charges, claiming, "I left the scene to request help for the victim." Shin was sentenced to 20 years in prison in the first trial on January 1, the same as the prosecution’s demand. Six days after the first trial’s verdict, Shin appealed, saying, "The sentence is too heavy."

The next hearing is scheduled for 4 p.m. on May 22.

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