Lee Jae-ryong, who has three drunk-driving incidents, drank soju at a restaurant 20 minutes after a hit-and-run accident... Suspected of using the "sultagi" method

[Financial News] Actor Lee Jae-ryong has come under fire for allegedly using the so-called "sultagi" method—drinking again after driving under the influence.
According to an exclusive report by Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) on the 3rd, Lee Jae-ryong was driving while intoxicated near Cheongdam Station in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of March 6 when he crashed into a median barrier. Although the accident caused enough damage to require approximately 3 million won in repairs, he allegedly failed to take any significant action.
After fleeing the scene and attending another drinking gathering, he was arrested at an acquaintance's home about three hours after the accident.
In particular, Lee Jae-ryong allegedly drank additional soju at a restaurant in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, for about 50 minutes starting at 11:23 p.m., approximately 20 minutes after the accident, in an apparent attempt to avoid detection for drunk driving. As a result, he was additionally charged with interfering with alcohol testing, alongside alleged drunk driving and failure to take measures after an accident under the Road Traffic Act.
Lee Jae-ryong initially denied being intoxicated while driving, but reportedly changed his account during the police investigation, saying, "I drove after drinking four glasses of soju, and I thought I had only lightly touched the median barrier."
This is not the first time Lee Jae-ryong has caused public controversy over alcohol-related conduct. In 2003, he had his driver's license revoked after driving under the influence and refusing an alcohol test. In 2019, he was booked for damaging a freestanding sign at a bowling alley in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, while heavily intoxicated, but prosecutors granted him a deferred indictment.
In connection with this case, Lee Jae-ryong is scheduled to stand trial on October 16 at the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 10, presided over by Judge Lee Jae-wook. Because defendants are required to appear in person on trial dates, Lee Jae-ryong is expected to appear in court that day.
[email protected] Ahn Ga-eul Reporter