Japanese tourist’s death stokes outcry over South Korea’s ‘light’ drink-driving laws
Mourners demand stricter penalties after a drunk driver’s car crashed into a Japanese woman and daughter, killing the mother
A post believed to be written by the victim’s family member has drawn wide attention online, questioning whether strong penalties are possible under South Korean law.
A social media user with the handle abcz8756 wrote on Tuesday, “In Korea, my mother and sister were hit by a drunk driver. My mother died, and my sister is in critical condition.”
The post added: “I heard that drunk drivers in Korea often receive light punishment and no compensation. Is it really impossible to impose stricter penalties, unlike in Japan?”
The message garnered over 1.8 million views and 20,000 likes in a single day, with both Japanese and South Korean users posting condolences. Many South Korean commenters expressed sympathy, saying they also “want harsher punishment for drunk drivers”.
The accident occurred around 10pm on Sunday when a man in his 30s drove onto a pavement near Dongdaemun Station in central Seoul, striking a Japanese mother and daughter who were visiting the city.
The 50-year-old mother died at the scene, while her daughter suffered serious injuries. Police said the driver’s blood alcohol level was high enough for licence revocation.