A closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera footage showed how K-pop boy band 2AM member Im Seulong’s car hit a pedestrian in his 50s in Seoul that caused his death.
Police are investigating the circumstances behind the car accident that happened at about 11:50 p.m. during a rainy night on Aug. 1.The CCTV footage obtained by Korean media outlet JoongAng Ilbo showed that the accident happened at a three-way intersection on Susaek-ro near the Digital Media City subway station in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul.
According to the news report, the man was jaywalking as he tried to cross the road at a red light. Seulong was driving a white SUV when the man, dressed in black and was holding an umbrella, crossed. In just two seconds after the man crossed the street, he was hit by his car. The victim tried to avoid Seulong’s car but was struck. The video showed that immediately after hitting the man, Seulong stopped his car.
The police confirmed that the man crossed the crosswalk at a red light. The victim was taken to a hospital but died. Seulong was found not to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
According to the report, the police said that in order to determine the level of responsibility and punishment of Seulong, it is necessary to investigate the exact situation of the traffic accident including the speed of the vehicle. Seulong was questioned by the police and sent home.
Jellyfish Entertainment, the 33-year-old singer’s agency, said that “on August 1, Im Seulong caused a traffic accident due to slippery road conditions while driving. The car he drove collided with a pedestrian crossing the street. Immediately after the accident, Im Seulong took relief measures at the scene, but unfortunately the victim passed away on the way to the hospital,” JTBC Plus reported.
It said that Seulong “is suffering a serious shock both physically and mentally. However, we know how painful it is for the bereaved family of the victim so we sincerely apologize to the family.”
If he is charged and convicted, Seulong may be punished with imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to 20 million won (about $16,737 or P821,000) based on Korea’s Criminal Act.
Seulong has been getting supportive comments from Korean netizens, with many of them saying that it was not his fault as the man was jaywalking. Seulong made his debut in 2AM in 2008.