Shin Hye-sung consistently expressed apologies in response to questions from the press as he received a suspended sentence for refusing a breathalyzer test and illegal car use charges.

On the afternoon of April 20 (KST), the Seoul Eastern District Court Criminal Division 4 (Judge Lee Min-ji) held the first-instance sentencing hearing for Shin Hye-sung, who was indicted for violating the Road Traffic Act (refusal of a breathalyzer test) and illegally using a car.

Shin Hye-sung was sentenced to six months in prison with a one-year suspended sentence that day. The court explained the reason for the sentence, stating, "Refusing a breathalyzer test is not of better quality than drunk driving, and his drunk driving record was applied unfavorably." However, the absence of personal or property damage and the victim's lack of desire for punishment were applied in favor of Shin Hye-sung.

Upon leaving the court, Shin Hye-sung only responded to reporters' questions, such as "Will you appeal?" and "Do you have anything to say to your fans?" with "I'm sorry. I will reflect on my actions," before leaving the scene.

In October last year, police arrested Shin Hye-sung after receiving a report of a parked car on the road at Tancheon 2 Bridge in Songpa-gu, Seoul. At the time, it was reported that Shin Hye-sung refused the police's request for a breathalyzer test.

Moreover, the vehicle driven by Shin Hye-sung was reported stolen. Shin's side explained that he had mistakenly boarded the wrong car while calling for a designated driver. The police determined that Shin Hye-sung had no intention of stealing the car and applied charges of illegal use instead of theft.

In the first public trial held on the 6th, Shin Hye-sung admitted to all charges, and the prosecution demanded a two-year prison sentence.

Shin Hye-sung's side explained, "As a member of the group Shinhwa for 25 years, he has struggled with panic disorder, social phobia, and depression. His symptoms worsened, leading him to stop drinking altogether after halting his activities," and that the incident occurred after a drinking session with friends he met for the first time in 13 years.

Regarding the refusal of the breathalyzer test, it was argued that Shin Hye-sung was flustered at the time, and "he actively cooperated with all investigations after recovering his memory." They also emphasized that they had amicably settled with the victim regarding the illegal car use charge.

Meanwhile, Shin Hye-sung was also charged with drunk driving in April 2007. At that time, Shin Hye-sung's blood alcohol concentration was 0.097%, which corresponded to a license suspension.

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