A police officer known as the real-life model for "Ma Seok-do," the protagonist of the film "The Roundup" (Korean title "The Outlaws"), has been sought a prison sentence in a case over his drunk driving charge.
Judge Lee Sung-yeol of the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 25 held a hearing Friday for Yoon, a police lieutenant indicted on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving).
Prosecutors sought a sentence of one year and six months in prison for Yoon that day. Under the State Public Officials Act, a police officer is automatically dismissed if convicted of a crime resulting in a sentence of imprisonment or heavier.
Yoon's side acknowledged all the charges and pleaded for leniency. His lawyer said, "As a police officer who should observe the law more than anyone, he committed a grave wrong," adding, "Please give him a chance to contribute to society as a police officer, so that he does not end his police career dishonorably over a momentary mistake." In his final statement, Yoon said, "If you grant leniency, I will make sure this never happens again. I'm sorry."
The court concluded arguments that day and set the sentencing for the 21st of this month.
Yoon was indicted on charges of causing a minor collision while driving under the influence near Gangnam Severance Hospital in Seoul's Gangnam district on November 24 last year. No casualties occurred, but his blood alcohol level at the time was found to be above the license-revocation level (0.08%). Yoon was relieved of his post immediately after the accident.
