Late-Night Chaos in Busan: Seven Injured as Drunk Driver Causes Multi-Car Hit-and-Run

A Night of Chaos: The Incident Unfolds

Did you know that on June 27th, 2025, Busan’s usually calm streets were rocked by a dramatic hit-and-run? Around 11:30 p.m., a man in his 30s, driving an SUV, rear-ended a passenger car at the busy intersection near Songjeong-dong’s New Port entrance in Gangseo-gu. Instead of stopping, he sped off, only to crash into two more vehicles and then cross the center line, colliding head-on with a taxi. The chaos ended about two kilometers from the first crash site, leaving seven people with minor injuries. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt, but the shockwaves from the incident spread quickly through the city and online communities.

Police Response and Investigation

Busan Gangseo Police acted swiftly, detaining the suspect at the scene. Authorities immediately suspected drunk driving and collected a blood sample, applying for a seizure warrant to check the driver’s blood alcohol level. The investigation is ongoing, with officers meticulously reviewing black box footage from the involved vehicles to piece together the exact sequence of events. The case has been classified under the Act on Aggravated Punishment for Specific Crimes, reflecting the seriousness of fleeing after causing injuries.

Community Outrage: Online Reactions and Social Media Buzz

If you browse Korean forums like Theqoo, Nate Pann, Instiz, Naver, and DC Inside, you’ll see the public’s anger and frustration. Comments range from ‘Why are penalties for drunk driving still so lenient?’ to ‘This could have been a tragedy—what if there had been children in those cars?’ Many users demand harsher punishments for hit-and-run drivers, with calls for lifetime driving bans and even imprisonment. On Naver blogs, writers recount their own close calls with reckless drivers, sharing dashcam footage and urging others to stay vigilant. Tistory bloggers dissect the legal loopholes and question whether the system truly deters repeat offenders.

Cultural Context: Why Drunk Driving Is a Hot-Button Issue in Korea

To understand the uproar, you need to know that South Korea has a long history of public campaigns against drunk driving. High-profile accidents in the past have led to stricter laws, but many Koreans feel enforcement is still lacking. The ‘Yoon Chang-ho Act,’ named after a young soldier killed by a drunk driver, toughened penalties, but incidents like this show that the problem persists. For international readers, it’s important to realize that driving under the influence is not just a legal issue here—it’s a deeply emotional one, tied to national debates about safety, justice, and responsibility.

Media Coverage: How News Outlets Reported the Crash

Major Korean and English-language news outlets covered the Busan hit-and-run extensively. Reports emphasized the late hour, the sequence of collisions, and the rapid police response. Headlines like ‘Drunk Driver Injures Seven in Busan Hit-and-Run Crash’ and ‘Seven People Injured in Busan Accident’ dominated search results. Journalists highlighted the fact that, despite the severity of the incident, all injuries were minor—a small relief in an otherwise alarming story. Some articles delved into the suspect’s background, while others focused on the potential legal consequences and the broader issue of road safety in Korea.

Personal Stories and Community Support

On Naver and Tistory blogs, people shared their own experiences with traffic accidents, offering advice on what to do if you’re involved in a crash in Korea. Some posts provided step-by-step guides for expats, explaining how to contact emergency services, exchange information, and deal with insurance. Others reflected on the trauma of witnessing or surviving an accident, with commenters expressing sympathy for the victims and frustration with repeat offenders. The sense of solidarity is strong, with many urging each other to drive safely and report suspicious behavior.

Legal Ramifications and Calls for Reform

This incident has reignited debates about Korea’s legal system. Community members and bloggers argue that current laws are not enough to deter dangerous drivers. There’s growing support for mandatory jail time for hit-and-run offenders and stricter monitoring of repeat DUI cases. Some legal experts interviewed by bloggers point out that, while the law has evolved, enforcement remains inconsistent. The public’s demand for change is clear: they want safer roads and real accountability.

What This Means for Foreigners in Korea

If you’re an expat or traveler in Korea, this story is a wake-up call. It’s crucial to understand local traffic laws and the seriousness with which Koreans view drunk driving. The community expects everyone—regardless of nationality—to respect the rules of the road. If you’re ever involved in an accident, follow the proper procedures: call emergency services, exchange information, and cooperate fully with the police. Blogs aimed at foreigners stress the importance of having insurance and knowing your rights, but also your responsibilities.

Looking Ahead: Will Anything Change?

As the investigation continues, many in Busan and across Korea are watching closely to see what happens next. Will the suspect face significant jail time? Will this case prompt lawmakers to revisit road safety regulations? The online conversation is ongoing, with hashtags related to the incident trending on Korean social media. For now, the hope is that heightened awareness and public pressure will lead to safer streets—and that stories like this will become far less common in the future.