Drunk-driving police officer, inspiration for 'The Roundup' character, gets 1.5-year sentence

A police officer, identified as the real-life inspiration for the character Ma Seok-do portrayed by actor Ma Dong-seok in the popular film 'The Roundup,' has been sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison. The officer, who belongs to the Suseo Police Station in Seoul, was found guilty of drunk driving charges.

The verdict came during a joint first hearing and sentencing hearing held on July 7th at the Seoul Central District Court. The prosecution requested the prison sentence, citing the severity of the offense. The officer's defense team acknowledged all charges, expressing sincere remorse and appealing for leniency. They highlighted his long career since joining the police force in 1997, emphasizing his dedication to combating violent crime and his desire to avoid ending his career under a cloud of shame.

In his final statement, the officer also expressed deep self-reproach and regret, pleading for a chance to rectify his mistake and promising it would never happen again. According to the Public Official Act, individuals who receive a sentence of suspension of qualification or heavier, or a suspended sentence, are ineligible for appointment as police officers. The official sentencing is expected on July 21st.

The incident occurred on November 24th of the previous year, around 8:30 PM. The officer, while driving under the influence of alcohol, was involved in a minor collision near Gangnam Severance Hospital in Dogok-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. At the time of the accident, his blood alcohol content was measured at 0.144%, significantly exceeding the legal limit of 0.08% required for license revocation. He was immediately suspended from his duties by the police.

The prosecution decided to indict him without detention in April, considering factors such as the accident occurring during peak traffic hours, his high blood alcohol level, and his status as a police officer. The officer was known for his work in violent crime investigations, leading to his recognition as the real-life model for the 'Ma Seok-do' character.