A South Korean court has ordered an examination of vehicle component data in a high-profile lawsuit involving an apartment security guard who crashed a Mercedes-Benz while moving the vehicle for parking management. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, March 26 (Korea Bizwire) — A South Korean court has ordered an examination of vehicle component data in a high-profile lawsuit involving an apartment security guard who crashed a Mercedes-Benz while moving the vehicle for parking management. The case centers on allegations of sudden unintended acceleration.
On Tuesday, Judge Jeong Sun-hee of the Seoul Central District Court announced that an evidentiary hearing will be held on April 29, 2025, to assess the car’s operating data. The lawsuit was filed by the security guard, identified as Mr. Ahn, and the vehicle owner, who are seeking damages from Mercedes-Benz’s German headquarters, its Korean subsidiary, and local dealership Han Sung Motor.
Mr. Ahn’s legal counsel, attorney Ha Jong-seon, argued that the vehicle suddenly accelerated despite the brake lights being on, pointing to a possible defect in the car’s system. “Mercedes vehicles store operating data for each component,” Ha said, requesting that the court analyze these logs. The court granted the request, adding that the review will also cover the design of the hybrid model’s motor and internal combustion engine control units.
Mercedes-Benz’s legal team countered that multiple scenarios are possible, including driver error. “It’s unclear whether the driver pressed the brake or accelerator. The rear lights seen in the dashcam footage may not necessarily indicate braking,” the company’s representative said, also raising the possibility of driver confusion or pedal misapplication, especially given Mr. Ahn’s age.
The judge acknowledged the complexity of the case, noting, “If those lights were indeed brake lights, it would be highly unusual.” She encouraged both parties to actively present technical evidence, including how the vehicle responds when both the brake and accelerator are pressed simultaneously.
The incident occurred in April 2024 at an apartment complex in Yeouido, western Seoul, when Mr. Ahn attempted to move a double-parked Mercedes-Benz on behalf of a resident. The vehicle reportedly surged backward, then forward, colliding with 12 parked cars.
Following the accident, both Mr. Ahn and the car’s owner filed civil and criminal suits, alleging sudden unintended acceleration as the cause. The court’s analysis of vehicle data is expected to play a pivotal role in determining liability, with the case likely to draw continued attention throughout 2025 and into 2026.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
