DJ Yesong Sentenced to 8 Years for Drunk Driving Fatality

DJ Yesong (예송), an influencer and DJ, has been sentenced to eight years in prison following a fatal hit-and-run incident caused by drunk driving. On December 15, 2024, the Supreme Court upheld the lower court's ruling, confirming the sentence for charges including vehicular manslaughter under the aggravated crime law. This decision came after the court dismissed an appeal on December 10.

The incident occurred on February 3, 2024, around 4:30 AM in the Nonhyeon-dong area of Gangnam, Seoul, where DJ Yesong was driving under the influence and crashed into a motorcycle delivery driver, identified as Mr. A, who later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

At the time of the accident, DJ Yesong's blood alcohol concentration was reported to be 0.221%, a level that warrants license revocation. Reports indicate that instead of assisting the victim, DJ Yesong was found holding her dog when the police arrived, leading to public outrage.

Following the incident, she was charged with drunk driving and hit-and-run. The prosecution sought a 15-year sentence, emphasizing the severity of the crime and the attempt to shift blame onto the victim.

In her defense, DJ Yesong's legal team argued that she had shown exceptional talent in the entertainment industry, performing internationally in countries like China, Thailand, and Taiwan, and had served as a promotional ambassador for the Jongno Police Station in Seoul. They claimed she had expressed deep remorse, submitting 75 letters of apology.

Initially, she was sentenced to ten years in prison, but she appealed the decision. During the second trial, DJ Yesong expressed her sincere apologies to the victim's family, acknowledging her wrongdoing and stating her intention to live a life of atonement, even giving up her career and driving privileges.

Taking into account her confession and settlement with the victim's family, the second court reduced her sentence to eight years. However, DJ Yesong contested this ruling, claiming it was unfair, but the Supreme Court ultimately confirmed the sentence.