[Exclusive]Kim Ho-joong rests at home on first day after release... "Ankle check-up possibly this week, surgery schedule to be arranged"

*This content was translated by AI.

Singer Kim Ho-joong (35), released on parole after serving time for drunk driving hit-and-run charges, will rest at home without any official activities on his first day out, focusing on recovering his health. He plans to undergo a hospital check-up as early as this week and will also schedule surgery for his worsened ankle condition.

According to a StarNews investigation on the 30th, Kim Ho-joong left Somang Prison in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, in the morning and moved to his home to rest. No separate meetings with family have taken place yet. Kim's side is currently coordinating with his attending physician to schedule a medical examination and plans to undergo a detailed check-up within a short period to determine the timing of surgery.

A close associate of Kim Ho-joong told StarNews, "His ankle condition is quite poor," and added, "Surgery had been planned even before the accident, but he was unable to receive proper treatment due to his incarceration." The associate further explained, "Treatment timing was missed during this period, and his condition has deteriorated significantly. Currently, treatment is more urgent than any plans for activities."

According to the associate, Kim Ho-joong is expected to visit a hospital as early as this week, or at the latest next week, for a detailed diagnosis. After undergoing tests such as MRI scans, the details of whether surgery will be performed and the schedule will be concretely decided. It is known that his ankle ligament damage is at a significant level. The associate stated, "It is understood that ligament reconstruction will be necessary," and added, "His condition is not very good."

As a result, future activity plans have not yet reached the discussion stage. The associate said, "It is still unknown when the surgery will be performed or how long the recovery period will take," and added, "At this point, it is not the time to discuss official activities or a return date."

Earlier, Kim Ho-joong was released from Somang Prison in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, around 10 a.m. on the 30th. This marks about two years and one month since he began serving his sentence for driving under the influence, causing an accident, and fleeing the scene. Although he was originally sentenced to two years and six months in the first and second instances and was scheduled for release in November, his release date was advanced by about five months after passing the Ministry of Justice parole review. During the remaining sentence period after release, he will be under probation supervision.

On this day, Kim Ho-joong left the prison grounds through the main gate in a white Grandeur vehicle driven by his agency manager. Somang Prison is known as a facility that allows release via vehicle. A large number of fans and media personnel gathered at the release scene, but there were no separate greetings or statements. Kim Ho-joong was reported to have left the prison along with other released inmates, wearing a black suit and a mask.

Fans came to the release scene holding purple Yangsan banners and other banners, which are his symbolic colors. The banners contained supportive messages such as "Son, you worked hard. We love you." Purple banners featuring Kim Ho-joong's face were also noticeable. Some fans began chanting Kim Ho-joong's name as the release time approached.

Meanwhile, on May 9, 2024, Kim Ho-joong was driving under the influence of alcohol on a road in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, when he crossed the center line and collided with a taxi coming from the opposite direction. After the accident, it was revealed that So Sok-sa (CEO) and managers attempted to cover up Kim Ho-joong's drunk driving by swapping drivers and removing the black box memory card, sparking public outrage.

Immediately after the accident, Kim Ho-joong and his agency denied that he had been drinking, but on May 19, 2024, ten days after the incident, Kim admitted through a statement that he had indeed driven under the influence.

The first-instance court, in November 2024, determined that a heavy sentence was inevitable for Kim Ho-joong, who was charged with violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (Dangerous Driving Causing Injury), and sentenced him to two years and six months in prison. Kim appealed the verdict, but the original ruling was upheld in the second instance. Kim subsequently abandoned his appeal to the Supreme Court and began serving his sentence.

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*This content was translated by AI.