'Drunk hit-and-run' Kim Ho-jeong, shameless return announcement amid early release on parole [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Singer Kim Ho-jeong, who received a prison sentence for drunk hit-and-run charges, is returning to society.

Around 10 a.m. on the 30th, Kim Ho-jeong will be released early on parole from Somang Prison, located in Yeosu, Gyeonggi Province.

Previously, in May 2024, Kim Ho-jeong was driving after drinking in Apgujeong-dong, Seoul Gangnam-gu, and collided with a taxi traveling in the opposite direction. Immediately after the accident, Kim Ho-jeong fled and was arrested and prosecuted for the charge of having his manager turn himself in on his behalf.

In April of the following year, during the appeal trial for violating the Act on Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, etc. (dangerous driving causing injury), among other charges, Kim Ho-jeong was sentenced to two years and six months in prison, consistent with the first-instance ruling.

Sangak Entertainment Lee Gwang-deuk (CEO), which was prosecuted for involvement in covering up Kim Ho-jeong's drunk driving incident, had its two-year prison sentence upheld; the branch manager, Mr. Jeon, received a one-year-and-six-month prison sentence; and the manager, Mr. Jang, who falsely turned himself in on Kim Ho-jeong's behalf, was sentenced to one year in prison with a two-year probation period.

As a result, while Kim Ho-jeong's original scheduled release date was November 24, he recently passed the parole review committee of the Ministry of Justice, having served approximately 80% of his sentence, and will be released five months early. After release, Kim Ho-jeong will be under probation supervision for the remainder of his sentence.

Last year, Kim Ho-jeong's fans stated, "Kim Ho-jeong decided to give up his appeal after deep consideration over a long period. We must respect that decision. We will stand firm and prepare together for the singer's return without wavering," thereby supporting Kim Ho-jeong's return.

Kim Ho-jeong also publicly shared a handwritten letter on his fan cafe in April, strongly expressing his determination to return: "I will stand up again no matter what. I will sing. I will not give up."

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*This content was translated by AI.