Actor Lee Jae-ryong (62) has denied allegations that he attempted so-called “sultagi”―drinking after a crash to aim for a lighter penalty―but new details from the night of the incident have emerged.
Around 11 p.m. on March 6, Lee allegedly hit a median strip while driving near Cheongdam Station in Seoul’s Gangnam District and then left the scene. He is under investigation on suspicion of drunk driving and failing to take necessary measures after the accident under the Road Traffic Act.
Reports initially said Lee parked his car at home after the crash, moved to an acquaintance’s house, and was apprehended by police about three hours later. However, new media coverage claims he first headed to a different restaurant and drank there right after the accident.
On the 13th, Yonhap News TV reported that Lee parked at his Cheongdam-dong residence around 11 p.m., then walked about 20 minutes to a restaurant where acquaintances were waiting and ordered one bottle of distilled liquor and two servings of skirt steak.
Citing a restaurant staffer, the outlet added that Lee entered wearing a black mask, appeared intoxicated, and was on the phone repeatedly―as if discussing what to do immediately after the crash.
Lee appeared before police on the 10th, three days after the incident, and admitted to drunk driving. Through his legal representative, he stated he had “about four shots of soju.” Still, some are questioning how his blood alcohol concentration was at a license-suspension level when he is known to handle more than 10 bottles of soju under normal circumstances.
Police are examining whether “sultagi” occurred―when some drivers drink more after a crash to muddy the results of an alcohol test and potentially reduce punishment.
Authorities plan to verify why Lee went to a restaurant to drink right after the crash, how much alcohol he consumed there, and his overall movements following the accident.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
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