[Exclusive]"Out of prison, but..." Kim Ho-joong, focusing on reflection and ankle surgery rather than immediate return after release [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

Singer Kim Ho-joong (35), who was released on parole after serving time for drunk driving and hit-and-run charges, spent his first day out of prison resting at his home without any official activities, focusing on recovering his health. Kim Ho-joong, who expressed deep remorse through a handwritten letter after his release, is currently in poor condition with his ankle and plans to undergo a hospital examination as early as this week, followed by scheduling surgery.

According to a StarNews investigation on the 30th, Kim Ho-joong left Somang Prison in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, in the morning of the 30th and moved to his home to rest. He has not yet met with his family separately. Kim Ho-joong's side is currently coordinating a medical appointment with his attending physician and plans to undergo a detailed examination within a short period to determine the timing of the surgery.

A close associate of Kim Ho-joong told StarNews, "His ankle condition is quite poor," and added, "We had planned surgery even before the accident, but since he was incarcerated, he has not received proper treatment." The associate further explained, "We missed the opportunity to treat him during this time, 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 no later than next week for a detailed diagnosis. After undergoing tests such as an MRI, the decision on whether to proceed with surgery and the specific schedule will be determined. It is reported 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, "We do not yet know 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 his release after serving two years and one month for driving under the influence and fleeing the scene of an accident. Although he was originally sentenced to two years and six months in the first and second trials and was scheduled for release in November, the Ministry of Justice recently approved his parole review, advancing his release date by approximately five months. During the remaining sentence period after release, he will be under probation supervision.

Kim Ho-joong reflected on his past mistakes through a handwritten letter left for his fans after his release. He wrote, "It took two years for me to write this letter again. I feel it again. That my mistake was great."

Kim Ho-joong explained, "I was determined to be eligible for parole review in June 2026 during my two-year and six-month sentence, and I am coming out into the world today, June 30," and added, "Rather than feeling the freedom and liberation of having left prison, I will carry a greater sense of responsibility, repent, and serve out the remaining sentence."

He also apologized, saying, "Rather than more words, I will clearly see what situation and position I am in now and live without deviating. I am sorry. I am truly sorry," and added, "I will reflect more and straighten my heart again."

Earlier, on the day of his release, Kim Ho-joong passed through the main gate of the prison wearing a black suit and a mask, leaving the scene in a white Grandeur vehicle driven by his agency manager. Somang Prison is known as a facility that allows release by vehicle. Although fans and media personnel gathered in large numbers at the release site, there were no separate greetings or statements of position. Instead, Kim Ho-joong conveyed his feelings through a handwritten letter immediately after his release.

Fans supporting Kim Ho-joong visited the release site holding purple Yangsan banners and other signs, 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, while driving under the influence, caused a collision with a taxi coming from the opposite direction after crossing the center line on a road in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. 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.

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

The first-instance court, in November 2024, deemed 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), among other charges, and sentenced him to two years and six months in prison. Kim Ho-joong appealed the verdict, but the original ruling was upheld in the second trial. Subsequently, Kim Ho-joong abandoned his appeal to the Supreme Court and began serving his sentence.

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*This content was translated by AI.