Singer Kim Ho-joong Released on Parole After Serving Time for Drunk Driving Hit-and-Run

Singer Kim Ho-joong has been released on parole after serving a significant portion of his sentence for charges related to drunk driving, causing an accident, and fleeing the scene. Kim was released from Somang Prison in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, this morning (the 30th), returning to society earlier than his originally scheduled release date. Parole eligibility is granted to inmates who have completed at least one-third of their sentence and are recognized for good conduct.

Kim Ho-joong was indicted on charges including causing injury and fleeing after dangerous driving, as well as failing to report an accident and instigating the concealment of a suspect, after he drove under the influence on May 9, 2024, in Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. He collided with an oncoming taxi after crossing the center line and then fled the scene. It was revealed that immediately after the accident, he had his agency's manager report to the police in his place. Kim Ho-joong denied drunk driving for ten days after the accident before admitting to the crime. Prosecutors, deeming it difficult to measure his blood alcohol content at the time of the accident, excluded the drunk driving charge and instead indicted him for dangerous driving causing injury and hit-and-run under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, and for violating the Road Traffic Act by leaving the scene of an accident and for instigating the concealment of a suspect.

Both the first and second trials found Kim Ho-joong guilty of the charges and sentenced him to 2 years and 6 months in prison. Kim Ho-joong appealed to the Supreme Court after the appellate court's ruling, but later withdrew his appeal, solidifying the sentence.

In a handwritten letter sent to his fan cafe in April, Kim Ho-joong expressed his remorse and his intention to continue singing. His agency stated that upon his release, Kim Ho-joong plans to focus on ankle surgery and rehabilitation treatment rather than immediately resuming entertainment activities.