Amid controversy over the ride of an electric kickboard without a license by professional soccer FC Seoul Jesse Lingard, some pointed out that the police are investigating discrimination.
The Gangnam Police Station in Seoul said on the 17th that it has launched an investigation (internal investigation) into Lingard before the charges of riding an electric kickboard without a license. Lingard is suspected of riding a kickboard with a suspended license around 10:20 p.m. the previous day (16th) in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam, Seoul.
The police launched an internal investigation after seeing Lingard posted a picture of him riding a kickboard on his personal SNS. Unlicensed driving will be fined 100,000 won.
Lingard, from the English Premier League (EPL), was suspended for 18 months for drunk driving before moving to FC Seoul.
Lingard apologized on his SNS on the 18th, saying, “I didn’t know that I needed a license in Korea because kickboards are freely available in the UK or Europe,” and added, “Please be aware of safety rules for other foreigners in Korea.”
Netizens who heard about Lingard’s internal investigation said through Lingard’s SNS and comments, “If you go out on the street, three or four middle and high school students ride together without a helmet, catch something like that,” and “They don’t hold the children, they appear like ghosts when celebrities ride,” and “Please get rid of the electric kickboard. I can’t see it because it’s dangerous.”
Personal mobile devices, including electric kickboards, must be 16 years old or older and have a motor license to drive.
However, looking at the current status of electric kickboards in Korea, the ratio of middle and high school students who do not have safety devices is much higher. On the 15th of last month, an unlicensed middle school student collided with a taxi while driving an electric kickboard in Gwangju Metropolitan City. In June, two unlicensed high school students boarded an electric kickboard and collided with a couple in their 60s, killing their wives. In addition, two soldiers in their 20s who were on vacation collided with a bus while driving an electric kickboard, killing one.
On the 15th, Yoon Young-hee, a member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council’s Transportation Committee, analyzed the data of the Korea Road Transportation Corporation, and found that 7,854 electric kickboard and electric bicycle accidents occurred across the country for five years from 2019 to 2023. On top of that, about 145,000 illegal operations occurred from 2021 to last month when the law was revised. 먹튀검증
On top of that, as unlicensed students drive electric kickboards indiscriminately without wearing safety devices, the number of accidents has increased, some are raising opinions that electric kickboards should be eliminated altogether.
Meanwhile, the Gangnam Police Station will continue to investigate whether Lingard holds a license or drinks.