Ex-national goalkeeper Kim Young-kwang apologises over retaliatory driving case

Former South Korea national team goalkeeper Kim Young-kwang (김영광), 43, apologised on October 9 in a statement posted on social media over allegations of retaliatory driving. "I am sorry for causing worry and concern to many people over the recently reported matter," he wrote, according to Korea Economic Daily and Maeil Business. He said he had cooperated with the police investigation and had so far received decisions of non-referral and no charge. [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]

Kim said that, separately from the legal judgment, he took seriously that his driving could have caused anxiety or discomfort to others, and that he would not take it lightly or justify it. He said he had realised that a momentary judgment must never come before safety and that drivers must consider the safety and position of others on the road. He added that he would review his driving habits more strictly and act more carefully and responsibly in any situation. [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]

The statement followed an October 8 SBS 8 News report on retaliatory driving by an unnamed former national team player. According to the broadcast, a report was filed over retaliatory driving around a tunnel in Mapo District, Seoul, in March, but police and prosecutors declined to refer and to indict, respectively, saying intent to threaten was hard to establish. The taxi driver alleged that an SUV overtook him with a roar and cut in without keeping a safe distance. Seoul Shinmun reported that the driver said the SUV moved into the second lane, cut in front of him in the third lane and kept driving threateningly until it left the tunnel, even after he flashed his high beams. [ 2 , 4 , 5 ]

Seoul Shinmun reported that police investigated the SUV owner for special intimidation using a vehicle but dropped the case in June for lack of evidence, and that the taxi driver objected to prosecutors, who also declined to indict, saying it was not clear he intentionally sought to cause harm or that the driving was enough to cause fear. Some experts who viewed the footage said the lack of safe distance and turn signals during the overtaking left room to see intent, and called for clearer standards for judging retaliatory driving. [ 2 , 4 , 5 ]

Online users pointed to the model and colour of the SUV to suggest the owner was Kim, and he confirmed it was him, Seoul Shinmun reported. Newsis, which said the footage showed a white imported car, reported that Kim drew heavy criticism because he had often mentioned his aggressive driving habits on YouTube and elsewhere. Kim made his professional debut with Jeonnam Dragons in 2002, was named to national squads for the 2006 and 2010 World Cups and has worked as a YouTuber and broadcaster since retiring, Seoul Shinmun said. [ 3 , 4 ]