Real-life inspiration for 'The Roundup' detective faces prison over drunk driving

The police officer who inspired the character of Detective Ma Seok-do — played by actor Ma Dong-seok in the "The Roundup" film series — has been recommended for a prison sentence after being charged with drunk driving.

Prosecutors asked a Seoul Central District Court judge to sentence the officer, identified only as Inspector A, to one year and six months in prison at a final hearing in his drunk-driving case on Tuesday.

Inspector A caused a minor collision near Gangnam Severance Hospital in Dogok-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, at around 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 24 last year while driving under the influence.

His blood alcohol level at the time was 0.144 percent, well above the 0.08 percent threshold for license revocation. No injuries were reported.

Police relieved Inspector A of his duties following the accident. His legal team acknowledged all charges and expressed deep remorse, appealing to the court: "If he receives a sentence of suspension of qualifications or higher, he will have to resign. Please allow him to continue serving as a police officer and contributing, rather than losing his career over a single moment of error."

In his final statement, Inspector A said he had been living with daily self-reproach and reflection. "If you show leniency just this once, I will make sure nothing like this ever happens again," he said. "I am truly sorry."

Inspector A joined the police force in 1997 and has worked violent crime cases throughout his career. He spent about four years collaborating with the production company and Ma Dong-seok on the development of "The Roundup" series, advising on detective work and criminal cases that informed the character of Ma Seok-do.