Rep. Lee Yong-ju caught for drunk driving

Rep. Lee Yong-ju of the Party for Democracy and Peace / Yonhap

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.