Actress Kim Sae Ron was fined 20 million KRW (~15,184 USD) in her first trial for drunk driving. 

On April 5 at 9:50 AM, the Seoul Central District Criminal Court (Chief Judge Lee Hwan Gi) announced the verdict. Kim was found guilty of violating the Road Traffic Act by driving under the influence.

The judge emphasized that drunk driving is a serious crime that can significantly harm others' lives and property. Additionally, the judge noted that Kim drove a considerable distance while intoxicated. However, the court imposed a fine of 20 million KRW, the same amount requested by the prosecution. The reason for the sentence was that Kim Sae Ron had admitted her wrongdoing, compensated most of the damages, and was a first-time offender with no prior criminal record.

During the trial, Kim Sae Ron appeared and apologized to the reporters, stating that she was sorry and trying her best to compensate for the damages. She also clarified the 'false financial difficulty controversy,' explaining that she did not complain about financial hardships and that the penalty was high. She replied to the reporters, saying, "I didn't complain about financial difficulties but it is true that I did work part-time. Also, it is true that the penalty is high." However, she acknowledged her mistake and pledged never to repeat it. She apologized, "I will never let this happen again. I'm sorry."

Meanwhile, Kim Sae Ron was caught drinking and driving when she ran into a guardrail, road verge, and transformer on the street of Gangnam on May 18 of last year.

When the police arrived at the scene, she refused to take a breathalyzer test and requested that she be taken to a hospital for a blood test. Her Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) was 0.2% at the time of the accident.