Former national football player Kim Young-kwang (43) issued a direct apology on October 9 over a road-rage controversy that drew media attention. In his statement, he said he was sorry for the worry the reports caused and that he had cooperated sincerely with the police investigation.

What is the controversy about?

SBS 8 News reported on October 8 on an allegation involving a former national football player identified as A. According to the broadcast, a road-rage report was filed in March near a tunnel in Mapo-gu, Seoul. A taxi driver claimed the SUV overtook noisily and cut in closely. Police and prosecutors, however, said it was difficult to recognize intent to threaten, and issued no referral and no indictment respectively.

What did Kim Young-kwang say?

In his statement, Kim said he reflected on his judgment and behavior behind the wheel. He wrote that safety must never be outweighed by split-second decisions and that drivers must consider the safety and position of others. He also acknowledged that his driving may have caused anxiety or discomfort to others, separate from the legal outcome. He promised not to take the matter lightly or justify it.

Why are some experts critical?

Some experts who reviewed the footage said the overtake showed no safe following distance and no turn signal use, which they argued could suggest intent. They called for clearer criteria for judging road rage in Korea.

For international fans

Kim Young-kwang is best known as a former national team football player. Fans outside Korea should note that this story has been reported in Korean media, and that the police and prosecutors have reached decisions as described in the statement.