Minor traffic violation becomes major problem for 2 Koreans

“I know you are hungry! Chowking!”

A minor traffic violation committed by a “first-time” Korean driver ended up being a major issue after his compatriot called the traffic enforcer names and tried to choke him.

At 3 a.m. Monday, traffic enforcer Noel Abundo of the Pasay City Traffic Management and Parking Office said he flagged down a white Starex van for making an illegal U-turn on P. Celle Street along the northbound lane of Edsa Extension.

Abundo then asked the driver, Kim Jae Hoon, 28, for his license. But Hoon, who told the Inquirer that it was his first time to drive since it was his driver’s day off, failed to do so.

As the traffic enforcer explained to Jae Hoon the violations he had committed, the Korean’s companion, Cha in Jem, 39, suddenly alighted from the vehicle.

Cha then placed his left hand on Abundo’s neck and started to choke him while telling him, “I know you are hungry! Chowking!”

Abundo said he asked for help from other enforcers who arrested the Korean nationals. The foreigners remain detained at the Pasay police station for driving without a license, disobeying a traffic sign, driving under the influence of liquor and assaulting a person in authority.