Trot singer Kim Ho-joong received a prison sentence of 3 years and 6 months, just like the first trial, in the appeal trial for the 'hit-and-run' charge. Previously, Kim was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in the first trial. The appeal verdict will be announced on April 25.
The Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Appeal Division 5-3, led by Director General Kim Ji-sun, held the second trial conclusion hearing for Kim, who was arrested and indicted for violations of the Specific Crimes Aggravated Punishment Act (injuring while driving dangerously and hit-and-run), failure to take action after a traffic accident under the Road Traffic Act, and aiding a fugitive.
On this day, the prosecution requested the court to 'dismiss' the appeal. The prosecution noted, 'We ask that the same sentence as in the first trial be imposed.' In the first trial, the prosecution had sought a prison sentence of 3 years and 6 months for Kim.
Kim's defense attorney stated during the final argument, 'Kim is truly remorseful during the appeal trial,' and 'We have received a willingness to forgive from the taxi driver involved in the accident.' They continued, 'Kim did not use the "drunk driving tactic" (the method of drinking again to obstruct the investigation after causing a drunk driving accident), and he should not face excessive penalties based on misinterpretation,' adding, 'Considering that the first trial's sentence is excessively harsh and there is no prior criminal record, we request leniency.'
Kim said during his final statement that he is 'truly sorry for causing a scandal in society' and 'I sincerely apologize to the victim for causing damage to their precious daily life through this ridiculous incident.' He also stated, 'During the past four seasons while detained at the Seoul Detention Center, I have reflected thoroughly without leaving out any mistakes and made an effort to have a time of remorse with all my sincerity,' adding, 'The crime I committed will never be erased from my life, but I will nurture a new life different from before using this incident as a catalyst.'
The court decided to deliver its ruling on this case at 2 p.m. on April 25.
Kim was arrested and indicted for fleeing after causing an accident on May 9 last year while driving under the influence, hitting a taxi on the opposite side of the road after crossing the center line in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam, Seoul. At that time, there were allegations that his manager falsely confessed on behalf of Kim and that 'the driver had been switched.' Kim initially denied the drunk driving allegation but admitted to the crime ten days later. However, the prosecution excluded the drunk driving charge at the indictment stage due to the difficulty in determining the blood alcohol level.
In the first trial last November, Kim was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison. The court stated, 'Despite causing human and material damage by hitting the victim's taxi while driving under the influence, he irresponsibly fled and, moreover, conspired with another defendant to have his manager, Jang, falsely confess to the investigative agency, leading to confusion in the initial investigation and a significant waste of police investigation resources.'
Both Kim's side and the prosecution appealed the first trial verdict.