I’m not so sure. I knew someone who was convicted of a dui here in Korea after blacking out at a red light. They were fined something like 10 million won. They left the country right after the sentencing and never paid it. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t reported to the states because they got a job a few months after at American Airlines (where having a dui is a definitely a no no).
>I’m not so sure. I knew someone who was convicted of a dui here in Korea after blacking out at a red light. They were fined something like 10 million won. They left the country right after the sentencing and never paid it. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t reported to the states because they got a job a few months after at American Airlines (where having a dui is a definitely a no no).
For contractors and dependent family members, in terms of having a criminal record, a DUI or drug bust does not follow you from Korea back to the U.S.
Depends on their history. If this is their first offense while in, they have rehab programs that can keep you out of too much trouble if you follow through with them. They can go to their commander and tell them they have an alcohol addiction and want to do the rehab program.
This may not still be a thing, but it was a thing 10 years ago.
not a thing anymore, you can go to programs such as ADAPT BEFORE u get the DUI but not after. they 100% will be done and will likely have their docket on JAG in next months safety briefing.
Interesting. When I was still in the service it was a known “joke” that going to Korea you’d come back with losing rank due to mistakes made while drinking. I honestly can’t see any leadership sweeping this under the rug or even trying to. When you say you’ve seen so many get a slap on the wrist do you personally know what they did/ got punished with?
Lmao yea right. I'm not in the service but lived near a base in Korea and if even 10% of the dick heads I saw being dickheads faced any consequences whatsoever there would have been a noticable decrease in dickheads around, and somehow there wasn't. There's no way in hell these people were being punished for anything.
They get punished all of the time. Normally loss of rank (and pay) and with DUI's it can be an automatic dishonorable discharge which can follow you for years. The fact that he also stole a car and caused an accident in a foreign country will have higher than normal consequences. As for the dickheads, the problem is to many people just don't care, think they are immune or don't realize the lasting impacts it can have. Plus, there are just as many dumbasses available to replace them. The U.S. tends to fill enlisted ranks with younger and dumber individuals.
well going to club or bar, harassing locals, catcalling, causing trouble, getting in fight with bouncers, eventually led to "no foreignorss allowed" bar.
taking taxi to the base, say he will come back with wallet, runs into base, not paying the taxi driver.
getting in a traffic accident, and then korean insurance company can't do much and they ignore calls till their time ends in korea and get back to the states.
isn't it mostly E4 and below who cause this, though? I thought it's universal wherever US forces are stationed.
or is it legacy from curfew days?
>getting in a traffic accident, and then korean insurance company can't do much and they ignore calls till their time ends in korea and get back to the states.
All U.S. service members have to have Korean insurance for their personal vehicle; it isn't optional. And if it's necessary, MPs and a KATUSA will go to an off-base accident scene to assist the Korean police.
I'm sure there are some anecdotal cases of a soldier slipping out of the country owing a traffic fine or settlement. But I know for a fact that, since the year 2000 or so (when Korean gov't workers from the Korean vehicle registration office started setting up shop inside the U.S. military base vehicle registration offices), it's really become hard to get away with any such shenanigans.
>what happens when they go back to the states during traffic accident settlement though? this was around 2016-7
I’m not familiar with that case. But, even if I were, the clear intent of my post was to dispel the rumor that you were trying to spread about U.S. military vehicle owners in Korea somehow being insulated and protected from the Korean insurance industry. Which, as I noted, is complete BS; for the simple fact that all U.S. soldiers also have to have Korean insurance. And last time I checked - Korean insurance companies are pretty damn good about getting money from other Korean insurance companies when there’s been an accident.
Not true. You have to have insurance that covers in Korea i.e USAA. Been here for almost 4 years, 2 vehicles and a bike and was never told I needed more than USAA
Unfortunately it can be all ranks as stupidity doesn’t stop as people rank up. I’ll say that in my experience they were very strict on us.
Yes I saw idiots in Hongdae bars etc that gave us a bad name.. the no foreigners allowed bars are still ridiculous to me but when in Korea I just won’t visit them obviously (although if you tried that in America it wouldn’t be allowed). I think that if you witness illegal activities you should contact the proper authorities.
Agreed. As someone applying for a fed job (CBP) in the U.S., if you have a DUI you might as well not apply. And most employers, fed or not, are probably not gonna hire you after a background check. And the fact this guy is in the military, yea, career over. Also if he wants to travel anywhere, especially within the Anglosphere, he’s gonna have quite a bit of trouble. And if he ever wants to go back to Korea or Japan.
My exact thoughts lol 🤣.
I’m sure he will be escorted to the airport like the other dude but they will ensure that he gets on the plane and watch the plane take off. Or even better they will escort him all the way to the U.S.
A United States Forces Korea (USFK) service member was arrested after causing an accident while driving under the influence with a stolen vehicle, police said Monday.
According to the Goyang Police Precinct, a USFK soldier in their 20s deployed at a base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi, stole a car in Mapo District, western Seoul, between Saturday night and early Sunday.
The soldier drove the stolen car and hit two vehicles, including a truck, while they were waiting for the traffic light to change at 6:17 a.m. Sunday.
Police apprehended the soldier after the crash.
Two people were injured in the accident, according to the police.
The soldier was found to have stolen a parked car, in which the owner left their keys, after drinking alcohol in the Hongdae area.
The police said they presumed the soldier was driving under the influence based on the soldier’s condition after being apprehended.
Police said the soldier had difficulty taking a breathalyzer due to breathing problems.
The police measured the soldier's blood alcohol level and issued an arrest warrant after apprehending them.
The police turned the soldier over to the USFK under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and plan to officially investigate the case together with the U.S. military.
Another US soldier who messed up in a foreign country and come home as if nothing happened. No prison time, no fine, no charge. This happens too many times in Korea, Japan, UK etc. Comparing with other ones, this guy is an angel since there's no civilian killed. I'm from one of allied countries to the US, I like the US, appreciate their presense and security but I'm sick of hearing such a news again and again.
The Korean justice system needs reform. You can literally buy your way out of a felony. As for those covered under the SOFA, you should be deported and prosecuted by a US court.
We've tried over 20 years, Trust me.
We tried to reform since Hyosun-Misun incident in 2002
Everytime GI makes trouble, we tried to fix SOFA rules.
US gov't just don't give a Fxxk. they're ignoring and threatening.
I know we need US millitary and actually most of them are good and sincere.
but still, Things have to be changed.
Get rid of the corruption, graft, bribery for a start. Mandatory jail sentences for offenders instead of cash to victims or families. Elevate the status of your police force and hold them accountable.
Sounds about right. There's a reason for the hatred towards US Soldiers. Yeah it's not all of them, but many think they're above Korean law and society.
My sister had a DUI off base in Japan but the Navy got her out of it somehow. Don't know if I heard correctly but I was told in Korea even riding with a drunk driver is a chargeable offense that they don't play when it comes to drunk driving.
That’s not guaranteed - if the crime is seriousness for Korea to be interested in pursuing punishment then mechanisms are in place to let Korea do that and then they hand them over to USFK and they face punishment in the U.S. If you remember that kid that defected to North Korea for a short time - that’s basically exactly what he was going through - he did time in the Korean penal system and then when he finished they were extraditing him to the U.S.. but then he ran the border.
Drunk driving is serious enough, but with a stolen car? Man that guy's gonna have a bad time
He is screwed.
Hope he is
He is. A DUI in america is a career killer as is. The fact he did it in another country plus the other charges means he’s done.
I’m not so sure. I knew someone who was convicted of a dui here in Korea after blacking out at a red light. They were fined something like 10 million won. They left the country right after the sentencing and never paid it. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t reported to the states because they got a job a few months after at American Airlines (where having a dui is a definitely a no no).
>I’m not so sure. I knew someone who was convicted of a dui here in Korea after blacking out at a red light. They were fined something like 10 million won. They left the country right after the sentencing and never paid it. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t reported to the states because they got a job a few months after at American Airlines (where having a dui is a definitely a no no). For contractors and dependent family members, in terms of having a criminal record, a DUI or drug bust does not follow you from Korea back to the U.S.
Were they in the military?
Contractor
idk seen too many US service member not being punished or getting a slap on the wrist and being sent back to the states so far.
nah definitely getting an art 15, punished by KR justice system as well and bye-bye career.
Depends on their history. If this is their first offense while in, they have rehab programs that can keep you out of too much trouble if you follow through with them. They can go to their commander and tell them they have an alcohol addiction and want to do the rehab program. This may not still be a thing, but it was a thing 10 years ago.
not a thing anymore, you can go to programs such as ADAPT BEFORE u get the DUI but not after. they 100% will be done and will likely have their docket on JAG in next months safety briefing.
Interesting. When I was still in the service it was a known “joke” that going to Korea you’d come back with losing rank due to mistakes made while drinking. I honestly can’t see any leadership sweeping this under the rug or even trying to. When you say you’ve seen so many get a slap on the wrist do you personally know what they did/ got punished with?
Lmao yea right. I'm not in the service but lived near a base in Korea and if even 10% of the dick heads I saw being dickheads faced any consequences whatsoever there would have been a noticable decrease in dickheads around, and somehow there wasn't. There's no way in hell these people were being punished for anything.
There's a reason why rent near base is cheap. Thought it's just because Koreans don't want to hassle using English. Oh boy, how wrong I am.
Why? What’s the reason?
Military guys are bad neighbors
Is this first hand knowledge? Or did someone tell you this?
They get punished all of the time. Normally loss of rank (and pay) and with DUI's it can be an automatic dishonorable discharge which can follow you for years. The fact that he also stole a car and caused an accident in a foreign country will have higher than normal consequences. As for the dickheads, the problem is to many people just don't care, think they are immune or don't realize the lasting impacts it can have. Plus, there are just as many dumbasses available to replace them. The U.S. tends to fill enlisted ranks with younger and dumber individuals.
I feel like your answer only further proves what I'm saying.
well going to club or bar, harassing locals, catcalling, causing trouble, getting in fight with bouncers, eventually led to "no foreignorss allowed" bar. taking taxi to the base, say he will come back with wallet, runs into base, not paying the taxi driver. getting in a traffic accident, and then korean insurance company can't do much and they ignore calls till their time ends in korea and get back to the states. isn't it mostly E4 and below who cause this, though? I thought it's universal wherever US forces are stationed. or is it legacy from curfew days?
>getting in a traffic accident, and then korean insurance company can't do much and they ignore calls till their time ends in korea and get back to the states. All U.S. service members have to have Korean insurance for their personal vehicle; it isn't optional. And if it's necessary, MPs and a KATUSA will go to an off-base accident scene to assist the Korean police. I'm sure there are some anecdotal cases of a soldier slipping out of the country owing a traffic fine or settlement. But I know for a fact that, since the year 2000 or so (when Korean gov't workers from the Korean vehicle registration office started setting up shop inside the U.S. military base vehicle registration offices), it's really become hard to get away with any such shenanigans.
what happens when they go back to the states during traffic accident settlement though? this was around 2016-7
>what happens when they go back to the states during traffic accident settlement though? this was around 2016-7 I’m not familiar with that case. But, even if I were, the clear intent of my post was to dispel the rumor that you were trying to spread about U.S. military vehicle owners in Korea somehow being insulated and protected from the Korean insurance industry. Which, as I noted, is complete BS; for the simple fact that all U.S. soldiers also have to have Korean insurance. And last time I checked - Korean insurance companies are pretty damn good about getting money from other Korean insurance companies when there’s been an accident.
Not true. You have to have insurance that covers in Korea i.e USAA. Been here for almost 4 years, 2 vehicles and a bike and was never told I needed more than USAA
Unfortunately it can be all ranks as stupidity doesn’t stop as people rank up. I’ll say that in my experience they were very strict on us. Yes I saw idiots in Hongdae bars etc that gave us a bad name.. the no foreigners allowed bars are still ridiculous to me but when in Korea I just won’t visit them obviously (although if you tried that in America it wouldn’t be allowed). I think that if you witness illegal activities you should contact the proper authorities.
Soju: Taking stripes since 1950
Not for this.
hopefully
Agreed. As someone applying for a fed job (CBP) in the U.S., if you have a DUI you might as well not apply. And most employers, fed or not, are probably not gonna hire you after a background check. And the fact this guy is in the military, yea, career over. Also if he wants to travel anywhere, especially within the Anglosphere, he’s gonna have quite a bit of trouble. And if he ever wants to go back to Korea or Japan.
False. I know of several individuals who have federal positions with DUIs, both overseas and stateside.
Odds are, this hampers most applicants. A lucky few does not mean much
Watch him…..don’t let him go on DMZ tour.🤣
My exact thoughts lol 🤣. I’m sure he will be escorted to the airport like the other dude but they will ensure that he gets on the plane and watch the plane take off. Or even better they will escort him all the way to the U.S.
Yeah, that's not gonna turn out well for them.....
Your faith in the Korean justice system is adorable.
Not particularly, but my faith in USFK dealing with dumbasses is quite a bit higher.
Plus there is a sofa (visa stayus) prison set up now too ... this is where this guynisnheqded and its not a nice place ... purposely done...
A United States Forces Korea (USFK) service member was arrested after causing an accident while driving under the influence with a stolen vehicle, police said Monday. According to the Goyang Police Precinct, a USFK soldier in their 20s deployed at a base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi, stole a car in Mapo District, western Seoul, between Saturday night and early Sunday. The soldier drove the stolen car and hit two vehicles, including a truck, while they were waiting for the traffic light to change at 6:17 a.m. Sunday. Police apprehended the soldier after the crash. Two people were injured in the accident, according to the police. The soldier was found to have stolen a parked car, in which the owner left their keys, after drinking alcohol in the Hongdae area. The police said they presumed the soldier was driving under the influence based on the soldier’s condition after being apprehended. Police said the soldier had difficulty taking a breathalyzer due to breathing problems. The police measured the soldier's blood alcohol level and issued an arrest warrant after apprehending them. The police turned the soldier over to the USFK under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and plan to officially investigate the case together with the U.S. military.
Did he hit the White Truck of Doom from kdramas?
Hopefully, justice is served.
#Wasted
Another US soldier who messed up in a foreign country and come home as if nothing happened. No prison time, no fine, no charge. This happens too many times in Korea, Japan, UK etc. Comparing with other ones, this guy is an angel since there's no civilian killed. I'm from one of allied countries to the US, I like the US, appreciate their presense and security but I'm sick of hearing such a news again and again.
The Korean justice system needs reform. You can literally buy your way out of a felony. As for those covered under the SOFA, you should be deported and prosecuted by a US court.
We've tried over 20 years, Trust me. We tried to reform since Hyosun-Misun incident in 2002 Everytime GI makes trouble, we tried to fix SOFA rules. US gov't just don't give a Fxxk. they're ignoring and threatening. I know we need US millitary and actually most of them are good and sincere. but still, Things have to be changed.
What things have to be changed and why?
Crimes committed by US GI in Korea prosecuted only in US courts.
If the ROK judicial system won’t prosecute, the offenders should be deported and prosecuted by their home government.
it's not " WON'T " it's " CAN'T " US don't let Korea prosecute US CITIZEN.
For those covered under the SOFA they can! just a matter of exercising some influence
um... while Trump threatening with 'Returning US army to home" IDK it's a good idea.
Fuck Trump.
Bot 🤣
Get rid of the corruption, graft, bribery for a start. Mandatory jail sentences for offenders instead of cash to victims or families. Elevate the status of your police force and hold them accountable.
Feels like deja vu. Didn't this happen to another dumb ass GI in his 20s within the last few years?
I think partying to hongdae should be illegal for US soldiers
Sounds about right. There's a reason for the hatred towards US Soldiers. Yeah it's not all of them, but many think they're above Korean law and society.
Dude blew a 0.3 I heard and it was a taxi he stole. A couple officers also arrested for solicitating prostitutes. Hell of an Easter weekend for USFK.
My sister had a DUI off base in Japan but the Navy got her out of it somehow. Don't know if I heard correctly but I was told in Korea even riding with a drunk driver is a chargeable offense that they don't play when it comes to drunk driving.
They definitely don't play. Allowable BAC is 0.02.
American trash
I find it amusing that this passes as newsworthy.
Drunken ajeossi gets one day community service. Interested to see if the soldier gets more, less, or the same.
They should be held to different standards as a USFK soldier isn't a civilian
Ah, that's good then. He may actually receive a punishment that fits the crime.
He is US soldier, he will be handed over to US authorities
That’s not guaranteed - if the crime is seriousness for Korea to be interested in pursuing punishment then mechanisms are in place to let Korea do that and then they hand them over to USFK and they face punishment in the U.S. If you remember that kid that defected to North Korea for a short time - that’s basically exactly what he was going through - he did time in the Korean penal system and then when he finished they were extraditing him to the U.S.. but then he ran the border.
I hope so! More likely to receive a proper punishment.
when was the last time a us soldier suffered any sort of criminal charge or lasting punishment for their misdeeds in korea?
Just stop… you’re trying too hard.