Former announcer Park Shin-young vows not to collapse after fatal accident

Former MBC Sports+ announcer Park Shin-young has expressed her determination to continue her life as an influencer after being sentenced to a 15 million won fine for a 2021 fatal traffic accident in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul.

Park Shin-young (36), a former MBC Sports+ announcer who faced social criticism following a fatal motorcycle delivery accident, has shared her current life as an influencer and spoken out regarding the attention and criticism surrounding her. After being away from the public eye for a long time following the accident, she revealed her will to return and her current state of mind, stating she has become strong enough to speak up for herself.

On the 10th, Park stated through her social media account, "I have become much stronger and more courageous, enough to be able to speak up for myself." She emphasized her determination to continue her current life, adding, "No matter what anyone says, I am doing my best to live hard in a way that is not shameful to myself." This is interpreted as a message that she will continue her daily life without being shaken by the negative views and evaluations directed at her.

In particular, Park drew attention by saying, "Because it would be unfair to the hard times I have endured so far, I will not collapse easily, so do not worry." While mentioning the pain and psychological burden she has endured for a long time, she expressed her resolve to show a better version of herself in the future. She also expressed gratitude to those who showed concern or expressed happiness at seeing her.

Park has recently been continuing her activities as an influencer, operating a TikTok account under the name "Anna." Her followers have grown to nearly 80,000, and she primarily presents content targeting international users. By expanding her scope of activity through communicating with fans in English, a significant portion of the comments consist of reactions from overseas subscribers. She has essentially moved her stage from a broadcaster to an online content creator.

Park debuted in 2014 as an announcer for MBC Sports+. She also drew attention for her background as a graduate of New York University with a degree in economics. While continuing her broadcasting career as a sports announcer, she caused a major traffic accident in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, in May 2021. At the time, the SUV driven by Park collided with a motorcycle at an intersection, leading to the tragedy of the motorcycle driver's death.

During the investigation, it was confirmed that Park entered the intersection on a yellow light and continued driving even after the light turned red, and that she had exceeded the speed limit. It was investigated that she was not in a state of intoxication. As the result of the accident took a person's life, the social shock and critical public opinion at the time were significant, and Park effectively suspended her broadcasting activities and moved away from the public eye.

Immediately after the accident, Park disclosed via her SNS that she had personally visited the bereaved family to apologize, bowing her head and stating, "I will live my life atoning for this forever." Later that December, the Seoul Western District Court sentenced Park, who was indicted on charges of violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Settlement of Traffic Accidents (causing death), to a fine of 15 million won. While the prosecution sought a one-year imprisonment, the court considered that the defendant repented for her wrongdoing, had no prior criminal record, reached a settlement with the bereaved family, and that there was also some negligence on the part of the victim's side.

This confession of her feelings is drawing interest as it is the first time Park has publicly revealed her current state and her future life long after the accident. However, apart from her will toward personal recovery and the resumption of activities, the social responsibility left by the fatal accident and the wounds of the bereaved family remain issues that cannot be treated lightly. Attention is also focused on what kind of activities and steps the "better version" emphasized by Park will lead to in the future.

The following is the full text of the post released by Park.

"I have become much stronger and more courageous, enough to be able to speak up for myself!

No matter what anyone says, I am doing my best to live hard in a way that is not shameful to myself! I will work harder so that I can show only good sides in the future!

Because it would be unfair to the hard times I have endured so far, I will not collapse easily, so do not worry.

Thank you to those who worried about me, and to those who said they missed me and were glad to see me."

Read the original (Korean)