Two members of iKon involved in a drink-driving car crash and could face charges: K-pop label apologises, promises investigation
- Ju-ne, Jinhwan and the driver all suffered minor injuries in the crash in the early hours of Monday morning
- The driver was found to be over the drink-driving limit and was arrested. The two K-pop stars may also face charges
By Dong Sun-hwa
K-pop label YG Entertainment has apologised on behalf of two members of boy band iKon who rode with a drunk driver and were involved in a car crash in South Korea’s South Gyeongsang Province on Monday.
A van carrying iKon’s Koo Jun-hoe (known as Ju-ne) and Kim Jin-hwan (Jinhwan) skidded in the rain and crashed into a retaining wall on a national highway at around 3.40am, according to Namhae Police Station. The pair and the driver – reportedly an acquaintance – suffered minor injuries and were transferred to a nearby hospital.
The driver’s blood alcohol level was above 0.08 per cent, high enough for his licence to be revoked. Police have booked him for DUI and are examining whether the two singers should be accused of abetting drink-driving. If Koo and Kim are found guilty, they could face up to 18 months in jail or a fine of up to five million won (US$4,100).
“We sincerely apologise for the accident,” YG said in a statement on Tuesday. “We will conduct an in-depth internal investigation about it and take stringent measures (against those involved.)”
