Ex-national team goalkeeper Kim Young-gwang apologizes over road rage allegations, says cleared by police

Former South Korean national team goalkeeper Kim Young-gwang, 43, has apologized over allegations of aggressive driving, saying police cleared him of wrongdoing but acknowledging that his behavior behind the wheel warranted reflection.

In a statement released Friday, Kim apologized for the concern the recent reports had caused. "I sincerely apologize to the many people who have been worried and troubled by the recently reported incident," he said.

He added that he had cooperated fully with the police investigation and received a decision of no referral for prosecution and no charges. "I faithfully participated in the police investigation related to this matter and have so far received a decision of non-referral and no charges," he said.

However, Kim said he was reflecting on his own conduct regardless of the legal outcome.

"Going through this incident, I have looked back on my judgment and actions while driving," he said. "I realized again that in any situation, a split-second judgment must never take precedence over safety, and that on the road, one must consider the safety and position of others."

He said he was taking seriously the possibility that his driving style could have caused anxiety or discomfort to others, independent of how the law viewed the situation. "I will not take this lightly or try to justify it," he said.

Kim went on to say he would hold himself to a stricter standard behind the wheel. "I will look more rigorously at my driving habits and act more carefully and responsibly in any situation," he said. "I once again sincerely apologize to those who have watched over me and cheered me on for causing them disappointment and concern."

Meanwhile, SBS's flagship evening news program reported Thursday on road rage allegations involving a former South Korean national team player identified only as "Mr. A."

According to the broadcast, a complaint was filed in March alleging aggressive driving near a tunnel in Mapo-gu, Seoul, but both police and prosecutors declined to pursue the case, saying it was difficult to establish threatening intent or deliberateness. Police chose not to refer the case for prosecution, and prosecutors declined to indict.

A taxi driver claimed that an SUV had roared past him and then cut in without maintaining a safe following distance, but investigators concluded there was insufficient evidence that the driver had intentionally sought to harm the other party.

Some experts who reviewed the footage, however, said there was room to consider the actions deliberate, pointing to the absence of a safe gap or turn signal use during the overtaking maneuver. They called for clearer standards for determining what constitutes road rage.