'Paroled' Kim Ho-joong: "I miss ARIS so much... Will stay with current agency" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Singer Kim Ho-joong, who was released on parole after being detained for drunk driving, has posted a heartfelt message directly to his fans.

On the 27th, via his official fan cafe, Kim Ho-joong wrote, "My beloved ARIS. I miss you so much. I don't know how many days I waited just to convey these few words. Since my parole, it has felt as though my time has resumed from two years ago. I have carefully revisited everything I had done before, gently brushing away memories that had gathered dust. I thought deeply about how hard and lonely you must have been during my absence. Thinking of how you continued to stand by me, believe in me, and support me even through such a long wait fills me with both gratitude and remorse."

Kim Ho-joong also announced that he would continue working with his former agency, Saegeum Entertainment, which recently changed its name to Art M&C. "Due to my mistakes, I decided to stay with the staff who had to endure difficulties alongside me. Since those individuals endured tough times because of me, staying with them until the end is an important responsibility I must fulfill. This is both how I have lived and how I will continue to live. It was a decision I made after much thought," he stated.

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 an oncoming taxi. Following the incident, it was revealed that So Sok-sa (CEO) and his managers attempted to cover up the 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 any alcohol consumption. However, ten days later on May 19, 2024, Kim issued a statement admitting, "Yes, I did drive under the influence."

The first-instance court ruled that Kim Ho-joong, charged with violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning Aggravated Punishment of Certain Crimes (Dangerous Driving Causing Injury), faced an inevitable heavy sentence and sentenced him to two years and six months in prison. Kim appealed the verdict, but the second-instance court upheld the original ruling. Subsequently, Kim abandoned his appeal to the Supreme Court and began serving his sentence.

Following this, Kim Ho-joong was released from Somang Prison in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, on June 30 and returned home. He has not yet met with his family separately. His side is currently coordinating medical appointments with his attending physician and plans to undergo a detailed examination soon to determine the timing of surgery.

Kim Ho-joong was originally scheduled for release in November but had his parole approval granted by the Ministry of Justice, advancing his release date by approximately five months. During the remaining portion of his sentence after release, he will be under probation supervision.

At the time, a close associate of Kim Ho-joong told StarNews, "His ankle condition is quite poor." He added, "Surgery had been planned even before the accident, but since he was incarcerated, he could not receive proper treatment." The associate further explained, "The delay in treatment has significantly worsened his condition. Currently, medical treatment is more urgent than any plans for activities."

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*This content was translated by AI.