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Volleyball player Ahn Hye-jin gets 5 million won fine for drunk driving

Published: 27 Apr. 2026, 18:43

Volleyball player Ahn Hye-jin, who was caught driving under the influence, attends a disciplinary committee meeting at the Korean Volleyball Federation in Mapo District, western Seoul, on April 27. [NEWS1]

Volleyball player Ahn Hye-jin has been handed a fine of 5 million won ($3,400) by the Korean Volleyball Federation (KOVO) for drunk driving.

KOVO held a disciplinary committee meeting on Monday at its office in Mapo District, western Seoul, to review the case. Ahn was booked by police after causing an accident while driving under the influence on April 16. The incident led to the cancellation of a national team selection and left the player unsigned in the free agent market.

“Drunk driving is a serious act harmful to society," stated the committee after hearing Ahn’s statement. "However, we have taken into account that the blood alcohol level was relatively low at 0.032 percent at the time, which is at the license suspension level, and the incident was reported voluntarily immediately after the accident.”

“We also took into account that the player will effectively be away from the court for about a year due to not signing as a free agent and exclusion from the national team, and decided on a severe warning and a fine of 5 million won.”

“I sincerely apologize for causing concern. I deeply apologize to fans and the industry staff and will make sure this never happens again,” said the player before bowing in front of the press.

On the day of the incident, the athlete had been drinking with a meal from midnight to 6:30 a.m, then slept for about 20 minutes in a parking lot before heading home, according to the athlete's legal representative.

While driving, Ahn attempted to adjust the cruise control and struck a curb while changing lanes. Police responding to a report at the scene confirmed the driver had been drinking.

The disciplinary action does not include a suspension, leaving the possibility of a return for the next season open.

“A return to sports is not being considered at this time. Our priority at the moment is self-reflection and taking accountability," said the player's representative.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY PARK JONG-SUH [[email protected]]