Moon Da-hye Fined For Drunk Driving And Illegal Lodging

Moon Da-hye, the daughter of former South Korean President Moon Jae-in, has been sentenced to a fine of 15 million won ($11,300) for charges related to drunk driving and illegal lodging operations. The ruling was delivered on April 17, 2025, by the Seoul Seobu District Court, presided over by Judge Kim Hyeong-seok.

During the sentencing, the court acknowledged that the nature of the crimes was serious. However, it also noted that Moon Da-hye had shown remorse and had no prior criminal record, which played a role in the decision to impose a monetary penalty rather than a prison sentence. "The crime is not trivial," the court stated, "but the defendant has reflected on her mistakes and has no history of criminal punishment."

In October 2023, Moon Da-hye was involved in a serious incident in Itaewon, Seoul, where she crashed her vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Reports indicated that her blood alcohol concentration was measured at 0.149%, far exceeding the legal limit of 0.08%. At the time, she was changing lanes when her car collided with a taxi.

In addition to the drunk driving charge, Moon Da-hye faced accusations of illegally operating lodging facilities in several locations, including an officetel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, a villa in Yangpyeong-dong, and a detached house in Hallim-eup, Jeju City. Over approximately five years, she reportedly earned a total of 136 million won from these operations.

Prior to the verdict, the prosecution had sought a one-year prison sentence, arguing that the severity of her actions warranted a strict penalty. However, the court ultimately decided on the fine after considering her lack of prior offenses and her acknowledgment of wrongdoing. "The defendant has been operating illegal lodging businesses at three locations without reporting them, and the revenue generated was substantial," the court noted. "These factors are unfavorable."

Following the court's decision, Moon Da-hye did not respond to questions from reporters regarding her thoughts on the verdict or whether she planned to appeal. Instead, she quietly left the courthouse without addressing the media.

During her first court appearance, she expressed her regret over the incident, stating, "I fully acknowledge my mistakes and deeply regret my actions. I sincerely apologize to the victims affected by my conduct. I promise never to repeat such mistakes in the future and seek leniency."

The case has attracted significant public attention, not only due to her familial ties but also because of the implications of her actions as a public figure. Many observers have noted the potential impact of her case on public perception of accountability among the elite in South Korea.

As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen whether Moon Da-hye will pursue an appeal against the court's ruling. The prosecution has indicated that it will analyze the judgment before deciding on its next steps.

Moon Da-hye's case highlights ongoing discussions in South Korea about the responsibilities of individuals in positions of privilege and the legal repercussions they face for their actions. The incident has sparked conversations about the need for stricter enforcement of laws related to drunk driving and illegal business operations.

As the nation watches closely, the outcome of this case may serve as a litmus test for how the legal system handles similar cases involving high-profile individuals in the future.