South Korean Man Arrested for Drunk Driving Hit-and-Run, Allegedly Swapped Drivers

A man in his 20s has been arrested in Gwangju, South Korea, for allegedly swapping drivers after causing a hit-and-run accident while under the influence of alcohol. The suspect reportedly enlisted the help of three friends to mislead police and deny his involvement.

According to the Gwangju Bukbu Police, the man was arrested on charges of failing to provide assistance after an accident. His three middle school acquaintances are being investigated without detention on charges of aiding and abetting the suspect's evasion.

The incident occurred around 1:58 AM on November 15 of last year, when the suspect, driving a passenger car, collided with a taxi at an intersection in Yongbong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju. He then fled the scene without stopping.

Investigators found that the suspect was heavily intoxicated at the time of the collision. After the accident, he allegedly asked his friends to falsely claim to the police that they were the ones driving. The three friends reportedly agreed and provided false statements to the authorities.

However, the suspect confessed to all charges after police informed him of their intention to seek an arrest warrant. During the warrant hearing, he was taken into custody due to concerns about flight risk and other factors.