25.11.03.Today News : Japanese mother and daughter killed in drunken driving accident on first day of visit to Korea

Japanese mother and daughter killed in drunken driving accident on first day of visit to Korea

📍Japanese mother and daughter fatally hit by drunk driver on first day in Korea, public outrage erupts: “Drunk driving is murder”

A tragic drunk driving accident in downtown Seoul claimed the life of a Japanese tourist mother and injured her daughter. The suspect, who had consumed three bottles of soju before driving about one kilometer, has been arrested and faces an arrest warrant.

A drunk driver plowed into a sidewalk, resulting in a tragic accident where a Japanese mother and daughter were involved, with the mother losing her life.

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🔹 The Crash in Central Seoul
According to the Hyehwa Police Station, the suspect, a man in his 30s, drank about three bottles of soju at a restaurant in Jongno 5-ga on October 2 before driving his own vehicle.

After traveling roughly one kilometer, he drove onto a sidewalk near Heunginjimun Intersection in Dongdaemun, a busy pedestrian area, and struck a Japanese mother and daughter who were crossing the street. The 58-year-old mother suffered cardiac arrest and died shortly after being taken to the hospital. The 38-year-old daughter sustained facial and knee fractures and was treated for her injuries.

🔹 “I Thought I Was Fine to Drive”
At the time of arrest, the suspect’s blood alcohol concentration exceeded 0.08%, the legal threshold for license revocation. During police questioning, he admitted to drinking but said, “I thought I could drive because my destination was close.”

Police are now reviewing CCTV footage from the restaurant and analyzing the car’s black box to verify his movements before the crash.

🔹 First Day in Korea Turns to Tragedy
The victims were tourists from Japan who had arrived in Seoul that very morning. They spent the afternoon shopping at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) and were heading toward Naksan Fortress Trail when the crash occurred.

The daughter, who survived the crash, broke down in tears at the hospital upon learning of her mother’s death, telling police that “my mother loved Korea and wanted to visit together.”

🔹 Embassy and Police Provide Full Support
The Japanese Embassy in Seoul has dispatched staff to assist with funeral arrangements. The victim’s family is expected to arrive on October 4.

Police have hired interpreters and assigned a Japanese-speaking officer to coordinate communication and ensure full support for the victim’s family throughout the investigation and funeral process.

🔹 Arrest Warrant Filed Amid Public Outcry
Hyehwa Police stated that they will apply for an arrest warrant due to the severity of the offense and risk of flight. The incident has sparked strong public outrage in Korea, with many calling for stricter penalties for drunk driving.

Given the international nature of the case, it may also draw diplomatic attention between Korea and Japan.

🔹 Public Reaction: “No Excuse for Drunk Driving”
Korean citizens have expressed grief and anger online, calling for zero tolerance toward drunk drivers. One netizen wrote, “It’s heartbreaking that this happened to visitors on their first day. Drunk driving is no different from murder.”

One-line summary : A drunk driver who drank three bottles of soju killed a Japanese tourist mother in Seoul, and police have filed for an arrest warrant.