Ex-K-pop star kills delivery worker in drunk driving incident; sentenced to 8 years in prison – Check details

Ahn Ye Song, also known as DJ Yesong and a former member of the K-pop group INSTAR, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for causing the death of a delivery worker while driving under the influence of alcohol. The fatal accident occurred in February 2024 in Seoul’s Gangnam district, resulting in the death of a 50-year-old motorcyclist.

The Details of the Accident

Yesong was driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.221%, far exceeding the legal limit. Reports indicate she struck the victim’s motorcycle after attempting to flee the scene of an earlier collision. Despite the victim being rushed to the hospital, he did not survive his injuries. Authorities highlighted Yesong’s failure to stop and assist the victim, which was a critical factor in the case.

Initially, Yesong was sentenced to ten years in prison for her actions, including leaving the scene of the accident. However, following an appeal and a settlement with the victim’s family, the court reduced her sentence to eight years. The appellate court acknowledged her remorse and confession but emphasized the severity of her reckless driving. Yesong’s legal team also attempted to shift some of the blame to the victim, which sparked public controversy.


During the legal proceedings, Yesong expressed deep regret for her actions. “At the time, I was facing severe financial hardship due to a lack of work and was under pressure to attend a gathering where I could not refuse drinking. This led to the unfortunate tragedy, and I deeply regret my actions,” she explained. She also acknowledged the need for alcohol addiction treatment.

Supreme Court’s Final Ruling

On December 10, the Supreme Court confirmed Yesong’s eight-year prison sentence. Despite further appeals from Yesong, the court upheld the decision, citing the seriousness of her actions and the importance of accountability. The ruling has now finalized the sentence, and it is set to be carried out.

The case has generated widespread public interest due to Yesong’s former fame as a K-pop idol. Her career took a turn when she transitioned to a DJ role after leaving INSTAR. While she has shown remorse, her initial attempts to partially blame the victim led to significant backlash from the public.