South Korean man extradited after arrest in DUI case

A South Korean man who flew home a day after an alcohol-related crash that killed a Golden West College student in 2005 is being extradited today to face vehicular manslaughter charges.

Youn Bum Lee, a Hyundai executive, was arrested on a fugitive warrant in Seoul, South Korea on Dec. 2, 2008. According to authorities, Youn Bum Lee, 42, was attending a company-sponsored dinner on Oct. 18, 2005 where he had been drinking heavily. Lee is accused of driving with his headlights off on the 55 Freeway, then crashing into the center median, according to authorities. Ryan Dallas Cook, 23, of Fountain Valley, was on his motorcycle in the carpool lane and was unable to stop in time. Cook was thrown onto the freeway, where he was run over by several other vehicles. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lee is accused of fleeing the scene and then taking a late-night flight the next day, after consulting with coworkers, according to authorities.

Lee faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in state prison. He is scheduled to be arraigned Monday at 8:30 a.m. at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.