A woman in her 60s faces a suspended one-year prison sentence after impersonating her sister to dodge penalties for drunk driving without a license in Busan, South Korea.
Details of the Incident
On June 29 at around 1:10 a.m., the woman drove a passenger car down approximately 10 meters from the second floor to the first floor of a parking structure in Busan Jin-gu while intoxicated. Her blood alcohol concentration measured 0.169%, far exceeding the 0.08% threshold for license revocation.
Authorities confirm this marks her second such offense. In July 2023, she received a 10 million won fine from the Changwon District Court for drunk driving, resulting in the revocation of her driver’s license.
Court’s Decision and Sentencing
The Busan District Court, presided over by Judge Lee Ho-yeon of the Criminal Division 11 Single Judge Panel, sentenced the woman, identified as A, to one year in prison with a two-year suspension on charges including violations of the Road Traffic Act and Resident Registration Act.
The ruling also mandates 80 hours of community service and 40 hours of driver’s education. Court records indicate the sentence accounts for her prior conviction.
Impersonation Attempt
Following the traffic stop, the woman allegedly posed as her sister to evade punishment. Even at the police station, investigators prepared suspect documents under her sister’s name.
“Despite a drunk driving conviction just two years prior, the defendant committed this offense, showing no remorse and even forging her sister’s identity—a highly aggravating factor,” Judge Lee Ho-yeon stated. “However, considering her expressed regret and the impersonated sister’s reluctance for harsh punishment, the court showed leniency.”
The case highlights ongoing concerns over repeat drunk driving violations and evasion tactics in South Korea.
