'The Outlaws' Real-Life Detective Model Fined 6 Million Won for Drunk Driving

Drunk Driving Incident in Gangnam Last November
Admission of Guilt and No Prior Criminal Record Considered

A police officer, known to be the real-life inspiration for Detective Ma Seokdo, the main character in the movie "The Outlaws," has been sentenced to a monetary penalty in the first trial for drunk driving.

Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. The Asia Business Daily DB

On July 21, Judge Lee Seong-yeol of the 25th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court sentenced Inspector Yoon to a fine of 6 million won for violating the Road Traffic Act over a drunk driving charge.

The court explained the grounds for the sentence, stating, “Inspector Yoon admitted to the crime and has no prior record of criminal punishment, among other considerations.”

Inspector Yoon, who was working at Suseo Police Station in Seoul, was indicted without detention in April on charges of causing a fender-bender after driving under the influence near Gangnam Severance Hospital at approximately 8:30 p.m. on November 24 last year. At the time, Inspector Yoon’s blood alcohol concentration was at a license-revocation level (0.08% or higher). It was determined that there were no injuries in the accident.

During the police investigation, Inspector Yoon reportedly admitted guilt, saying, "I only recall the situation from when I got out of the car after being intoxicated." After the drunk driving accident became known, the police suspended Inspector Yoon from his duties.

At the prior hearing, Inspector Yoon’s side fully admitted to the charges, appealing for leniency, stating, “Although I should have complied with the law as a police officer, I deeply regret and am ashamed of my serious mistake.” They added, “If I receive a sentence heavier than a suspension, I will be forced to retire. Please allow me to continue serving as a police officer and make contributions, instead of resigning over a momentary lapse of judgment.”

According to the State Public Officials Act, police officers who are sentenced to imprisonment or a heavier penalty for a crime are to be dismissed. At the hearing, prosecutors requested that Inspector Yoon be sentenced to one year and six months in prison.

In his final statement, Inspector Yoon pleaded for leniency, saying, “I regret and reflect on my actions every day. If you grant me leniency this one time, I will make sure nothing like this ever happens again. I am truly sorry.”

Meanwhile, since joining the police force in 1997, Inspector Yoon has mostly been in charge of major crime investigations. Ma Dong-seok, the lead actor and producer of "The Outlaws," developed the movie by gathering stories from detectives, and it is known that Inspector Yoon’s work served as the inspiration for the main character, Ma Seokdo.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.