Feb 9 • 07:26 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

I Didn't Know He Was My Passenger's Husband... Driver Acquitted of Causing Death of a Man Clinging to His Car

A driver was acquitted of causing the death of a man who was clinging to the car he was driving, due to the court's judgment on the special circumstances and defensive actions involved.

In a notable legal case from Yongin, South Korea, the driver accused of causing the death of a man clinging to his moving vehicle was found not guilty by the court. The incident occurred early in the morning of May 21, 2023, in a parking lot, where the driver, identified as Mr. A, was talking to a woman in his car when a man suddenly approached and began banging on the vehicle. In a panic, Mr. A drove off, unaware that the man was actually the woman's husband. The man was dragged for about 10 meters before falling and suffering serious head injuries, which ultimately led to his death three months later.

The court's acquittal was based on an examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident and the lack of intent for harm. According to the judges, Mr. A had no knowledge of the marital status of the woman he was with, and the situation unfolded rapidly with Mr. A reacting defensively. The court noted that the driver believed he was fleeing a threatening situation when he drove away, as it was early morning and the location was deserted.

The court further assessed that the manner in which Mr. A drove—despite the tragic outcome—did not demonstrate reckless intent or disregard for safety. They highlighted that his actions could be interpreted as a necessary response to a perceived threat from the man who was banging on the car. As a result, the court concluded that his behavior was justifiable under the circumstances, aligning with social norms and expectations for safety in confrontational situations, thus supporting the acquittal on the charge of negligent homicide.

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