K-pop singer Shin Hye-sung, member of the group Shinhwa, is facing a potential 2-year prison sentence for violating traffic laws, including drunk driving and refusing a breathalyzer test. The singer expressed his remorse and apologized during a recent court hearing.

On March 6th, the Seoul Eastern District Court held the first trial for Shin Hye-sung, accused of violating traffic laws and driving a stolen car. Last October, Shin was arrested for refusing a breathalyzer test after police found him stopped on the road in Songpa-gu, Seoul.

During the trial, Shin's legal representative explained that the singer had been struggling with anxiety, social phobia, and depression for years. He added that Shin had consumed alcohol for the first time in years after a gathering with friends, leading to the unfortunate incident. The representative also clarified that Shin initially refused the breathalyzer test out of panic, but cooperated fully with the investigation afterward.

The car driven by Shin Hye-sung was reportedly stolen, but his lawyer emphasized that he had mistaken it for his own vehicle in his inebriated state. The legal representative stated that there was no intent to steal and use someone else's car, and the owner of the vehicle has agreed to a settlement.

Shin is also accused of driving approximately 10 kilometers under the influence from Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi Province to Songpa-gu, Seoul. His legal representative requested leniency, considering the absence of human or material damage.

Shin Hye-sung's lawyer conveyed the singer's deep remorse and acknowledged the mistake, emphasizing his low risk of reoffending. Throughout the hearing, Shin listened to his lawyer's statements with his head bowed, apologizing for disappointing and hurting people and promising not to repeat his actions.

The prosecution has requested a 2-year prison sentence for Shin Hye-sung, with the final verdict scheduled for the afternoon of March 20th.

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