Lawmaker fined W3 million for DUI

Lee Yong-ju

An opposition lawmaker has been assessed a fine for driving while intoxicated, court officials said Tuesday.

Rep. Lee Yong-ju of the minor opposition Party for Democracy and Peace was fined 3 million won ($2,652) for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).

Lee was indicted last month for driving a distance of about 7-8 km in Seoul's Gangnam district.

The case drew public ire since Lee was among the lawmakers who co-authored a bill aimed at toughening punishment for drunk driving. That bill followed a drunk-driving accident in the southern port city of Busan that left a 22-year-old soldier killed.

The party suspended Lee's party membership for three months shortly after he was given a DUI citation.

The fine set by the Seoul Central District Court is the highest possible amount for DUI. Prosecutors had demanded a 2 million won fine for Lee. (Yonhap)