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A South Korean YouTuber, known for his vigilante actions against drunk driving, has been indicted following a deadly car crash linked to a chase he filmed. This incident has drawn significant media attention and raised questions about the responsibilities of content creators.
On April 28, the Gwangju District Prosecutors’ Office accused a 41-year-old man, referred to only as ‘Choi,’ of being involved in the fatal accident. Choi, who operates a channel where he tracks and reports suspected drunk drivers, was streaming the chase when the incident occurred.
The event unfolded on September 22, 2024, when Choi reported a suspected drunk driver in an SUV. He actively pursued the vehicle while broadcasting the chase live on YouTube. This reckless pursuit took a tragic turn when the driver collided with a large, stationary truck, resulting in his death.
Legal Consequences for South Korean YouTuber Following Car Chase Livestream
Choi’s actions have led to serious legal repercussions. He is facing charges of “joint intimidation under the Punishment of Violence Act,” being deemed both “directly and indirectly” responsible for the incident. Authorities are taking a strong stance against individuals who engage in vigilante justice.
Moreover, Choi has been implicated in another incident from 2023, where he allegedly detained a sober driver against their will. This history of reckless behavior has contributed to his mounting legal troubles.
In addition to Choi, 11 of his subscribers face legal action for their roles in the September incident, highlighting a broader issue of viewer engagement in dangerous activities and the potential for collective liability.
Prosecutors have pledged to tackle the issue of vigilante actions that endanger the public. “We will respond firmly to crimes that cause danger to an unspecified number of people under the pretext of vigilantism,” they stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
In South Korea, the legal threshold for drunk driving is notably lower than in many other countries, with a blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.03%. Violating this law can lead to severe penalties, including license revocation, fines, and potential imprisonment of up to one year.
This situation is emblematic of a larger trend where social media influencers face legal ramifications for actions taken during their content creation. For instance, a YouTuber from the ‘DailyDrivenExotics’ channel recently accused California police of “illegal entrapment” after being stopped for driving too slowly in their supercars. Additionally, prominent street racer Squeez Benz was arrested after broadcasting himself engaging in reckless driving and a hit-and-run in May 2024.
Source
www.dexerto.com