Man assaults hired driver for asking him to stop talking politics, fined

A 60-year-old man in South Korea has been ordered to pay a fine of 1 million won (approximately $720 USD) for assaulting a hired driver who requested he stop talking about politics.

The incident took place in June 2023 in an apartment complex in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do. The man was a passenger in his own vehicle, being driven by a 50-year-old hired driver. During the ride, the passenger repeatedly criticized a specific political party.

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The defendant has been punished multiple times, including for similar offenses.

When the driver politely asked him to cease the political commentary, the passenger reacted by slapping the driver across the face once. The man was subsequently charged with violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes.

The Ulsan District Court's Criminal Division 8, presided over by Judge Kim Jeong-jin, issued the fine. In its sentencing, the court noted the defendant's history of previous offenses, including similar incidents, and highlighted that he had not reached a settlement with the victim.

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He also failed to reach a settlement with the victim.