Mr. Ahn appealed for leniency, saying that the reason he went out drinking was because “I am an entertainer by profession, so I went to a drinking party with people from the broadcasting station.” He also said, “He has genius talent in the entertainment field and has promoted national prestige by performing overseas.”
In his final statement, he said, “I sincerely apologize to the victims and their bereaved families who lost their precious lives because of me,” and added, “It is my fault for which there is absolutely no room for excuse. “I will live my whole life with a heart of atonement,” he said, bowing his head. He added, “I will give up my job and my dream, and I will never get a driver’s license for the rest of my life.”