Park Ji-won is a writer for The Korea Times who has been covering a wide range of topics from Korea’s culture to its politics. An avid journalism enthusiast to the core, Ji-won brings a thoughtful and unique perspective to every topic she covers. On weekends, you'll often find her contemplating life’s purpose on a yoga mat — with a cup of quality tea in hand. A native Korean speaker by birth and fluent in English through her work, she went to college in Japan and is learning Chinese and French — hoping to add Polish, Russian and Thai to the mix.
Rep. Lee Yong-ju caught for drunk driving
Rep. Lee Yong-ju of the Party for Democracy and Peace / Yonhap
By Park Ji-won
By Park Ji-won
A minor opposition party lawmaker was caught by police for drunk driving after the National Assembly audit, police said Thursday. The lawmaker apologized for his behavior.
Rep. Lee Yong-ju of the Party for Democracy and Peace was caught after driving 15 kilometers from Yeouido to Cheongdam Park. He had been drinking Wednesday night until around 10:55 p.m. with his colleagues and secretaries to celebrate the end of the National Assembly audit.
“I am so sorry for causing trouble. I have no excuse. I am really sorry to disappoint people. I regret it sincerely and apologize. Drunk driving is unforgivable. I cannot forgive myself (for my behavior). I beg for forgiveness. I will spend some time for self-reflection,” Lee said in a statement.
He was caught driving alone, with a blood alcohol content of 0.089 percent, which calls for driver's license suspension.
Lee went home after police questioning. He will be summoned again later.
Criticism was raised for his double standards as Lee was one of the lawmakers who submitted a bill recently punish drunk drivers more severely.