Repeatedly submitted letters of remorse, cursing protests to reporters, and even appeals to U.S. presidential candidates could not prevent imprisonment. Singer Kim Ho-joong, who is facing hit-and-run charges, was sentenced to prison.
On the morning of the 13th, the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 26 (Judge Choi Min-hye) sentenced Kim Ho-joong, who was brought to trial for violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment for Specific Crimes (dangerous driving causing injury), to 2 years and 6 months in prison. "Kim Ho-joong is seen stumbling under the influence of alcohol by objective evidence from CCTV, yet he denied it with implausible excuses, demonstrating poor circumstances after the crime," resulting in an unusual sentence.
Kim Ho-joong, on May 9th, drove under the influence of alcohol in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, hit a taxi that was stopped on the opposite side of the road, and fled the scene. After the accident, Kim Ho-joong's manager surrendered on his behalf, and Kim Ho-joong acknowledged he was driving only after appearing at the police station 17 hours later. Consequently, he was arrested and indicted on charges of dangerous driving causing injury and fleeing the scene under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment for Specific Crimes, as well as violating post-accident measures under the Road Traffic Act and charges of aiding in a criminal escape.
However, the charge of driving under the influence was dropped. Police discovered that before the accident, Kim Ho-joong visited a restaurant in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, with acquaintances where they had a meal accompanied by alcohol. However, the prosecution excluded the charge of driving under the influence at the indictment stage, even though Kim Ho-joong himself admitted to driving under the influence.
Kim Ho-joong acknowledged all the charges during the second trial on July 19th, stating he had reached an agreement with the victim. Additionally, he requested bail due to worsening ankle pain, but the court rejected it. Ultimately, during the sentencing hearing held on September 30th, the prosecution requested a sentence of 3 years and 6 months, stating, "Please consider the organized judicial obstruction that caused public outrage." The court, applying the contempt of court provision, sentenced him to 2 years and 6 months.
Kim Ho-joong's actions were remarkable throughout this period. After the hit-and-run accident, he asked his manager to surrender on his behalf and didn't appear for police questioning until 17 hours had passed. Despite the accident, he proceeded with the scheduled nationwide tour "Tvarotti Classic Arena Tour 2024" in Changwon, Gyeongnam, on May 18th-19th, and only later admitted to driving under the influence. He was questioned by police 12 days after the accident, raising suspicions that he received preferential treatment from the police while dodging reporters.
Above all, Kim Ho-joong's apology and attitude were insufficient. He vanished after briefly stating to reporters, "I have cooperated with the investigation, and I will sincerely cooperate if there is additional investigation," and, "What words does a sinner need? I apologize." His attorney instead responded, "Even if belatedly, he is admitting and seeking forgiveness. Please alleviate the anger of the public," which surprised listeners. After being incarcerated, he submitted letters of remorse to the court three times on September 5th, October 16th, and October 28th, but left the public with only questions.
In particular, fans sparked criticism when it was revealed that they sent emails to U.S. presidential candidates in August urging Kim Ho-joong's release. Each trial was filled with heated enthusiasm resembling a fan meeting, and tears and loud voices exchanged among fans watching Kim Ho-joong.
Given the seriousness of the situation, political circles also intervened. Park Seong-hoon, a member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party, proposed a revision to the Road Traffic Act to significantly strengthen penalties for obstructing alcohol testing through what is known as the drinking method. Shin Young-dae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, also recently proposed a revision that prohibits additional drinking after driving under the influence.
In response, Kim Ho-joong's fans gathered together again. "Are you planning to ruin the life of this artist?" "How should one person suffer this humiliation for a single mistake?" "We will campaign against your election if you do not remove Kim Ho-joong's name," and, "This is a clear violation of human rights" were among the fierce criticisms, and numerous opposing opinions flooded the National Assembly's legislative information system.
Nevertheless, Kim Ho-joong could not avoid a prison sentence. Attention is focused on whether Kim Ho-joong will accept the 2 years and 6 months imprisonment handed down by the court.
[OSEN]