Singer Kim Hojoong, who had been serving a prison sentence for a drunk 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 June 30. Fans gathered in front of the prison early in the morning to welcome him, holding signs with messages such as "Son, you worked hard" and "We waited for you. Let's be happy now," while chanting his name.

On this day, Kim, wearing a black suit and a mask, boarded a vehicle from inside the prison and left the scene immediately. He did not make any separate statement.

Kim recently passed the review by the Ministry of Justice's Parole Review Committee, allowing him to return to society about five months earlier than his original full-term release date, which was scheduled for November.

Following his release, he plans to focus on medical treatment and rehabilitation for the time being. His agency stated, "He has long suffered from poor conditions in both ankles, and the symptoms worsened during his imprisonment, so he plans to undergo surgery and rehabilitation 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 for driving under the influence in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, in May 2024, crossing the center line to collide with an oncoming taxi, 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 a major controversy. The court found him guilty of charges including fleeing the scene 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.

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 keep them," adding, "I will stand up again somehow. I will sing. I will not give up."

(Photo: Baek Seung-chul)



Reported by Kang Kyung-yoon | Produced by SBS Entertainment News