KOR
Singer Kim Hojoong, who had been serving a prison sentence for a DUI hit-and-run accident, has been released on parole.
Kim was released from the Somang Correctional Institution in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, on the morning of the 30th. Fans gathered in front of the facility early in the morning, holding signs with messages such as "Son, you worked hard" and "We waited for you. Let's be happy now," while chanting his name to welcome his release.
On this day, Kim left the scene immediately after boarding a vehicle inside the prison, wearing a black suit and a mask. He did not make any separate public statement.
Kim returned to society about five months earlier than his original full-term release date, which was scheduled for November, after passing the review by the Ministry of Justice's Parole Review Committee.
Following his release, he plans to focus on medical treatment and rehabilitation for the time being. His agency stated, "He has had poor conditions in both ankles, and the symptoms worsened during his imprisonment, so he plans to undergo surgery and rehabilitation treatment after his release." During the parole period, he will be subject to probation, and any changes in residence or overseas travel will require permission from the relevant authorities.
Kim was indicted on charges of driving under the influence in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, in May 2024, crossing the center line to collide with a taxi in the opposite lane, and then fleeing the scene. During the investigation, it was revealed that he had instructed his manager to falsely confess to the crime, which became the center of controversy. The court found him guilty of charges including fleeing the scene under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes, and confirmed a sentence of two years and six months in prison.
Previously, in a letter posted to his fan cafe in April, Kim expressed his intention to return, stating, "I will engrave my mistakes into my bones," and "I will stand up again somehow. I will sing. I will not give up."
Photo = Reporter Baek Seung-cheol
kykang@sbs.co.kr
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.