Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Mongolian diplomat involved in drunk driving collision in Seoul
Seoul Gangnam Police Station / Korea Times file
By Kim Hyun-bin
A staff member of the Embassy of Mongolia in Korea was involved in a three-vehicle collision while driving under the influence earlier this month, police said Wednesday, with the incident only coming to light nearly two weeks later.
Gangnam Police Station said an administrative employee, identified only by the initial “A” under Korean privacy rules, caused a three-vehicle crash on a major thoroughfare near Sinsa Station in southern Seoul on Dec. 12 while driving under the influence. Police released the details on Dec. 24.
A, a Mongolian national, was driving alone at the time of the crash, police said. Officers at the scene were unable to make an on-the-spot arrest because the individual is covered by diplomatic immunity. After confirming the driver’s identity, police allowed A to return home.
A breathalyzer test later showed the driver’s blood alcohol level exceeded the threshold for license revocation, police said.
The drivers of the two vehicles struck by A’s car suffered minor injuries, according to authorities. No passengers were reported in any of the vehicles involved.
Police said they have booked A without detention on charges of dangerous driving causing injury under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, as well as drunk driving under the Road Traffic Act. Investigators plan to summon the individual for questioning in the near future.
Authorities have formally asked the Mongolian Embassy whether it intends to invoke diplomatic immunity in the case. Police said the decision on whether to forward the case to prosecutors will depend on the embassy’s response.
If the embassy chooses to exercise immunity, the case could be closed without criminal prosecution due to a lack of prosecutorial authority under Korean law, police said.