Driver behind accident that killed K-pop singers gets prison sentence
Their sudden deaths in Seoul last September sent the world of K-pop into mourning.
RiSe and EunB of K-pop girl group Ladies' Code, 23 and 21 respectively, died in a car accident when their van slammed into a wall in wet weather.
The driver - who was also their manager - was identified only as Mr Park, 27. He was found guilty of speeding and sentenced to one year and two months in prison.
The verdict was delivered after the court reviewed CCTV footage and found that Park had been speeding above 130kmh in an 80kmh zone. The rented van also had a faulty rear wheel.
The van Park was driving carried the four members of Ladies’ Code, as well as two staff. It was raining and the crash instantly killed Go. Kwon was taken to the hospital but died a few days later.
The prosecution had previously asked for a two and half years jail sentence.
The Korea Times reported that Park had also failed to reach an agreement with the families of the deceased.
Some fans were angry at what they saw as too light a punishment.
Posting on Allkpop others said they believed that Park sped due to pressure to adhere to a tight schedule.
Ladies' Code's agency Polaris Entertainment stated: "We're prepared to appeal. We'll try to minimize the pain caused to the families of the deceased and Mr Park."
Sources: Allkpop, The Korea Times
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