Singer Kim Ho-joong Granted Parole, Set for Release on June 30

Singer Kim Ho-joong, who has been serving a prison sentence for a drunk driving hit-and-run, has been granted parole and will be released on June 30, five months ahead of his original November completion date.

On June 23, representatives for Kim stated that he recently passed the Ministry of Justice's parole review and is scheduled to be released on the 30th. Under current law, inmates who have served at least one-third of their sentence are eligible for parole review. The Ministry of Justice makes its decision by comprehensively reviewing factors such as whether the minimum sentence has been served, the severity of the crime, conduct during incarceration, rehabilitation progress, and the risk of recidivism.

Although Kim was deemed ineligible for parole during the Christmas special review held at the end of last year, it is reported that he was included in the list of parolees for this round after his exemplary prison conduct and rehabilitation progress were recognized.

Kim was arrested and indicted for driving under the influence in Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on May 9, 2024. During the incident, he crossed the center line, collided with an oncoming taxi, and fled the scene. He was also accused of instructing his manager to turn himself in on his behalf.

Kim initially denied the allegations of drunk driving immediately after the accident but admitted to drinking ten days later. He was subsequently brought to trial on charges including violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes (dangerous driving resulting in injury), and the court sentenced him to two years and six months in prison.

Kim had been serving his sentence at the Seoul Detention Center before being transferred to Somang Prison in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, in August of last year.

Photo: Baek Seung-chul



(SBS Entertainment News, Reported by Kang Kyung-yoon)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.