A police officer who served as the model for the character Ma Seok-do in the action film 'Crime City' has been charged with driving under the influence, and prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence.
On July 7, the Seoul Central District Court held the first hearing for Officer Yoon, who is facing charges of DUI under the Road Traffic Act. Prosecutors requested a sentence of 1 year and 6 months for the defendant.
Officer Yoon, who was working at the Suseo Police Station, was indicted without detention in April after being involved in a collision while driving under the influence near Gangnam Severance Hospital in Seoul on November 24 of last year. His blood alcohol concentration was above the legal limit for license suspension (0.08% or higher), but no injuries were reported. Following the incident, Officer Yoon was relieved of his duties.
During the hearing, Yoon's attorney stated, "We acknowledge all the charges against him," adding, "As a police officer, he should adhere to the law more than anyone else, yet he committed a grave mistake." The attorney appealed for leniency, saying, "Please allow him to contribute to society as a police officer in the future, so he does not end his career in disgrace due to a momentary lapse in judgment."
According to the Police Service Act, individuals who receive a sentence of suspension of qualifications or higher, or a suspended sentence, cannot be appointed as police officers.
In his final statement, Officer Yoon expressed, "I live each day with regret and self-reproach," and pleaded, "If the judge could show me leniency just this once, I will ensure that such an incident does not happen again."
The court concluded the first hearing and set the sentencing date for July 21.
Officer Yoon has been with the police force since 1997 and has primarily handled serious crime investigations. His work is known to have inspired the character Ma Seok-do, portrayed by actor Ma Dong-seok, who researched police experiences to create the film.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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