Soccer Player Paralyzed by Drunk Driver Demands Justice and Apology

Soccer player Ryu Yeon Soo
He was aralyzed from the waist down by a drunk driver
Driver with a record of sexual harassment against a woman

The news of a drunk driver causing a devastating accident that left soccer player Ryu Yeon Soo paralyzed has ignited widespread anger and outrage.

On the morning of October 18, 2022, a man in his 30s was involved in a traffic collision due to drunk driving at approximately 5:40 a.m. The incident occurred at the Gasi intersection in Pyoseon, Seogwipo, Jeju. His blood alcohol concentration exceeded the legal limit, leading to the immediate revocation of his driver’s license.

Tragically, the victims in the accident included Jeju United goalkeeper Ryu Yeon Soo, alongside Kim Dong Jun, Lim Jun Seop, and a team trainer. Of them, Ryu Yeon Soo sustained severe injuries and was diagnosed with paralysis from the waist down.

Ultimately, Ryu Yeon Soo was forced to retire from his soccer career in November of the subsequent year, approximately one year after the fateful accident.

However, the absence of an apology from the assailant has left many people deeply outraged.

Ryu Yeon Soo shared his frustration during an appearance on the 17th episode of tvN’s You Quiz on the Block. He revealed, “The perpetrator has never extended an apology. Despite mentioning his intention to apologize during the court proceedings, there were numerous other opportunities for him to do so. Surprisingly, I haven’t received a single phone call from him.”

The individual responsible for terminating the career of a professional athlete currently faces allegations of sexual assault. Specifically, he stands accused of sexually assaulting a woman while she was asleep on January 15. The Jeju District Court’s 2nd Criminal Division presided over by Chief Judge Jin Jae Kyung, conducted a final hearing against him last month on charges related to violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (Dangerous Driving Injury) and quasi-forcible molestation.

In response to these charges, the perpetrator asserted, “I mistakenly believed the victim was my wife due to my intoxication.” He added, “I apologize to all those who have suffered because of my actions. I am prepared to kneel and offer a heartfelt apology if given the opportunity. In light of this incident, I have pledged to abstain from alcohol entirely and lead a more responsible life.”