One man died and four others were seriously injured when a racing car crashed into a crowd of spectators Sunday during a road test for a drag race , police said . The 31 - year - old driver , identified only by his last name Ahn , hit the five spectators , including the 40 - year - old man who died , during the road test of a Toyota Supra at around 11 a . m . in Seosan , 277 kilometers south of Seoul . The crash happened near a site for the Korea Drag Race Championships , officials at the Seosan Police Station said . About 180 vehicles signed up for the racing that drew 300 spectators and drivers , officials said . The police said they are looking into the cause of the accident and whether there was a lack of security measures . In drag racing , vehicles compete to be the first to cross the finish line on a straight , 402 . 3 - meter - long course . First gaining popularity in the United States after World War II , the sport has grown steadily in popularity and spread across the world . ( From news reports )