Singer Kim Ho-jung has confessed to drunk driving, putting an end to the ongoing suspicion. Nevertheless, fans are making people frown with their blind protection.
Kim Ho-jung's agency Think Entertainment apologized on the 19th, stating, "We sincerely apologize for causing social controversy due to our wrong judgment alongside the controversy about our artist Kim Ho-jung. We have been too focused on hiding the situation since our initial official statement up to now. We also sincerely apologize for not acting truthfully."
A representative noted, "Kim Ho-jung voluntarily reported to the police, acknowledging the facts surrounding drunk driving, and will faithfully participate in the police investigation. Ultimately, we committed an irreversible mistake due to the wrong idea that we must protect our artist. We apologize once again."
He also acknowledged his wrongdoing. Kim Ho-jung stated, "I want to sincerely apologize for hurting and disappointing many people due to my momentary wrong judgment. I drove under the influence. I deeply regret and reflect on my actions. I will faithfully participate in the police investigation. Once again, I sincerely apologize."
Kim Ho-jung is accused of fleeing after colliding with a taxi while changing lanes in the Sinsa-dong area of Seoul around 11:40 p.m. on the 9th. After the accident, Kim Ho-jung's manager visited the police station to confess that he had been driving Kim Ho-jung's vehicle, but 17 hours later, after rigorous questioning, Kim Ho-jung admitted to having driven.
During this process, suspicions surrounding Kim Ho-jung's drunk driving and driver-swapping grew. Despite various circumstantial evidence emerging, the agency refuted, stating, "At that time, Kim Ho-jung was about to attend a concert in Goyang, so he absolutely did not drink," and, "He seemed to make a wrong judgment due to severe panic at the time of the accident," adding, "This incident occurred because I, as Kim Ho-jung's representative and cousin, overly protected him."
However, all of this was false. Kim Ho-jung proceeded with a solo concert titled "Tvarotti Classic Arena Tour 2024 - Changwon" in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do, over two days from the 18th to the 19th, and late that night after the concert ended, he admitted to drunk driving. On stage, he stated, "All truths will be revealed," and, "I will accept all my sins and wounds," marking his inability to avoid additional punishment.
However, fans' reactions are further fueling the controversy. Kim Ho-jung posted on his fan cafe, "I sincerely apologize for causing great harm to the pride of our Aris family regarding this matter," adding, "What good is it for someone who has sinned to speak at length? After the investigation and all results are out, I will return to this home. It seems there is no choice but to live hard to not betray the dreams of our family."
In response, fans have shown unwavering support, stating, "I'm glad you are speaking honestly now," "I hope you will become a strong mountain," "Let's meet with an even better appearance. Please don't make the waiting time too long," "Regardless of the results, we are family," "I won't let go of my family's hand," "I will wait until you come home," and, "Anyone can make a momentary mistake."
[Photo] OSEN DB, provided by the agency
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