Singer and actor Eru, who faced charges of drunk driving, received a suspended sentence following an appeal court ruling.

On March 26 KST, the Seoul Western District Court's 2-2 Criminal Division convened to review Eru's case concerning violations of the Road Traffic Act (aiding and abetting drunk driving, etc.). Eru appeared in court clad in a black coat and a mask.

In its ruling, the court stated, "The defendant has been sentenced to probation for charges related to aiding and abetting the escape of a criminal, drunk driving, and assisting a criminal," and further noted, "The defendant did not appeal the original verdict, and the prosecution appealed on the grounds of perceived leniency in sentencing." The court rejected the prosecution's appeal, stating, "The defendant acknowledges his wrongdoing, and there have been no alterations from the initial trial. We find the original sentencing appropriate and reject the prosecution's appeal."

In September 2022, Eru was apprehended by police while driving under the influence after consuming alcohol at a restaurant in Seoul. He was indicted without detention for falsely claiming that a female professional golfer, A, was driving the vehicle.

In December 2022, Eru faced additional charges of facilitating drunk driving by allowing an inebriated acquaintance to drive and park his car. On the same day, he was involved in an accident, crashing into a road guardrail while driving at a speed exceeding 180 km/h. His blood alcohol content at the time of the incident was 0.075%, surpassing the legal limit for driving.

Eru was initially sentenced to six months in prison and one year of probation, prompting an appeal from the prosecution.

During the appeal, the prosecution argued for a harsher sentence, citing Eru's involvement in aiding a criminal escape and subsequent instances of drunk driving. They requested a one-year prison term and a fine of 100,000 won.

In response, Eru's lawyer highlighted mitigating factors, including his remorse for the offenses and his devoted care for his mother, who has been suffering from severe dementia for five years. 

In his closing statement, Eru expressed regret for his actions, vowing not to repeat his mistakes in the future.

In the initial trial, the court considered Eru's remorse and lack of prior criminal record, sentencing him to six months in prison, one year of probation, and a fine of 10,000 won.

Following the court's decision, Eru issued an apology, expressing regret for the distress caused by his actions and pledging to live in reflection. He particularly emphasized the need to care for his mother amidst her health struggles.