Singer Kim Hojoong, who has been serving a prison sentence for a DUI hit-and-run accident, is being released on parole today, June 30.
Kim is scheduled to depart from Yeoju Somang Correctional Institution in Gyeonggi Province. This release comes approximately five months earlier than his original completion date, which was scheduled for this coming November. His parole was finalized after recently passing the review by the Ministry of Justice's Parole Examination Committee.
Following his release, Kim plans to focus primarily on his health. Kim's side stated, "He has long suffered from poor conditions in both of his ankles, and the symptoms worsened during his incarceration as he could not receive sufficient treatment. He plans to undergo ankle surgery and rehabilitation immediately after his release." During his parole period, he will be subject to probation and must obtain permission from relevant authorities for any changes in residence or international travel.
It is reported that there is little possibility of his release being captured on camera. Kim is expected to leave the prison by vehicle without any separate public schedule.
Kim was indicted on charges including fleeing the scene of an accident after driving while intoxicated in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, in May 2024, where he crossed the center line and collided with an oncoming taxi. During the investigation, it was revealed that his manager had falsely confessed to the crime in his place, which sparked significant public outrage.
The court found him guilty of charges including dangerous driving resulting in injury under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes, and sentenced him to two years and six months in prison. Kim began his sentence at the Seoul Detention Center before being transferred to the Yeoju Somang Correctional Institution last August.
Ahead of his release, Kim's fans continue to show their support while awaiting his return. Recently, news broke that Kim surpassed 5 billion cumulative streams on the domestic music platform Melon, earning him a spot in the Gold Club.
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(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
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