Korean Job Discussion Forums

Squid · Joined: 25 Jul 2003 Location: Sunny Anyang

I just got back my car, fender fixed and bumper and tail light spankin' new after the insurance-job fix.

Some twit sideswiped it as it was parked and upon my return Gyu-Chul Lee of SK handed me complete details of what he'd witnessed. He and his G/F had waited and taken every detail of what'd happened, including a description of the driver, and even offered to go with me to the "police office." He said he'd be happy to witness in court if necessary. Needless to say I was floored Very Happy

Wifey and I went to the Suwonnambu police office and filled the necessary form. The staff there were helpful, even though they were busy, and friendly.

We got a call that they'd traced the owner a few days ago and went to "negotiate". The owner of the vehicle was different from the driver on the day (company truck) and wouldn't cough up any more than the cost of fixing plus a rental for me in the meantime Sad

All in all a refreshing experience for me and once again big ups to the cops at Suwonnambu and Gyu-Chul...he's a star.

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Wow... we're all so surprised that someone did their job, we're praising them for it.

Glad it worked out for you, but it is kind of funny something like this makes for something worth posting about. Doesn't say much for how Korean police are viewed by foreigners.

Don't get me wrong -- it is refreshing to see something positive, though.

Pyongshin Sangja · Joined: 20 Apr 2003 Location: I love baby!

billybrobby · Joined: 09 Dec 2004

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

JongnoGuru · Joined: 25 May 2004 Location: peeing on your doorstep

I just want to give a big shout out to the five cab drivers who didn't overcharge me, eff with the meter, or otherwise jerk me around last week. Yay!!

Nice going, Squid!!

See, everyone? Things can go our way sometimes. Like the TWO TIMES I got my motorcycle back after it had been stolen. Damn thing has a more lively social calendar than I do these days. Mad

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Tiberious aka Sparkles · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: I'm one cool cat!

Squid · Joined: 25 Jul 2003 Location: Sunny Anyang

Pyongshin...

I was directed by my father-in-law to ask for W5m because the driver "ran away"- apparently a criminal act, which gives one, for better or worse, leverage in a situation like this.
He did a "bad thing" and "should be punished"... presumably to discourage him from repeating his actions in the future.

Either he won't pay and the cops can decide what to do with him, or he can pay to avoid that. That's my introduction to litigation Korean-style anyways.
Personally I think it correct in these circumstances he face some form of punishment for leaving the scene- but the concept of short-circuiting the judiciary in favor of an arbitrary "negotiation" is alien to me and made me feel uncomfortable.

It was academic anyways because, as I explained, the driver remains unidentified and their company's insurance paid around W1.5m.

Derrek, I understand this isn't an earth-shattering event by any means, but I also noticed the effort the cops made to communicate and understand. They went slightly beyond their brief i think- without the "oh look, a foreigner... let's show him a three-ringed circus" routine.

As other posters may note, I'm as quick as anyone to diss Korea and what I perceive are it's shortcomings, so here I'm handing credit where it's due... is that not allowed?

hellofaniceguy · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: On your computer screen!

Giving shouts is great...when they are due.
I can understand Derrek....I suppose many feel the cops, etc...are suppose to be doing their job(s) and no shout is warranted. Especially korean cops who many feel are girl scouts.
I think we thank the waitresses for good service, etc..yes?

logan2003 · Joined: 20 May 2003

Give the guy a break!

I am happy that they tracked the idiot who did that, and they paid, even though it was insurance money.

I'm happy for you.

Very Happy

JacktheCat · Joined: 08 May 2004

TJ · Joined: 10 Mar 2003

I had a similar experience, but in Australia. My car was damaged by a hit and run driver while I was away from it.

The next morning I had a phone call from a police officer asking me if I my car had been damaged. It turned out that the 'accident' was witnessed by a man who not only knew the other driver but worked in the same building as him.

It gave me great pleasure to phone the offending driver at his office and say to him "You don't know me but I own the car you hit last night. You thought you had got away with it but there was a witness". I then told him that I was going to claim on his insurance policy so that I would not loose my no claim bonus. That was one moment I will always remember.

I don't know if the police charged him.