Former INSTAR member DJ Yesong sentenced to 10 years for fatal drunk driving accident in Gangnam

AKP STAFF

DJ Yesong, also known as Ahn Yesong, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for causing a fatal accident while driving under the influence in Gangnam, Seoul.

On July 9 KST, Seoul Central District Court Judge Kim Ji Young sentenced Ahn to 10 years in prison and ordered the confiscation of her Mercedes-Benz vehicle. Ahn was found guilty of dangerous driving resulting in death, leaving the scene of an accident, failing to take post-accident measures, and drunk driving under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes and the Road Traffic Act.

The court noted that the victim testified Ahn exited her car immediately after the accident and pleaded, "Do I look like I drank a lot? Please forgive me this one time." The court pointed out that Ahn did not attempt to manage the accident or call the police.

"The two traffic accidents were entirely caused by the defendant's negligence," the judge explained. "The accidents were entirely foreseeable and could have been easily avoided if the defendant had been aware of her surroundings, demonstrating a high level of wrongdoing."

The judge also highlighted Ahn's inconsistent statements, noting that she denied providing aid despite black box evidence showing she conversed with the victim at the scene. "It is questionable whether she is genuinely remorseful," the judge added.

Ahn was arrested and charged in February after driving her Mercedes-Benz under the influence in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam. She hit and killed a motorcycle delivery driver, identified as Mr. A, while attempting to flee after crossing the centerline and colliding with another vehicle. Her blood alcohol concentration at the time was 0.221%, well above the legal limit for license revocation.

Public outrage ensued as details of the incident spread online, particularly the image of Ahn holding her pet dog instead of providing aid to the victim.

In her final trial last month, Ahn expressed remorse, stating, "I sincerely apologize to the victim who lost his life. I have committed an unforgivable crime against the grieving family."

Ahn's defense lawyer pleaded for leniency, highlighting her exceptional talent in the entertainment field and her contributions to national prestige through overseas performances in China, Thailand, and Taiwan. Additionally, Ahn served as a promotional ambassador for the Seoul Jongno Police Station.