Kim Ho-joong, 15 months in prison: "Will serve remaining sentence" — thoughts on parole [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Singer Kim Ho-joong was granted parole with approximately five months of his sentence remaining. After serving 15 months in prison, he went directly home following his release and posted a handwritten letter on his fan cafe to share his thoughts.

Kim Ho-joong was released from Somang Prison in Yeojoo, Gyeonggi Province, around 10 a.m. on the 30th. This marks his release after serving two years and one month for the charge of drunk driving and fleeing the scene of an accident (drunk hit-and-run).

On May 9, 2024, Kim Ho-joong, while driving under the influence, crossed the center line on a road in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and collided with a taxi coming from the opposite direction. It was later revealed that after the accident, So Sok-sa (CEO) and his managers attempted to cover up his drunk driving by swapping drivers and removing the black box memory card.

The first-instance court ruled that a heavy sentence was unavoidable 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 second-instance court upheld the original ruling. Kim subsequently abandoned his appeal to the Supreme Court and began serving his sentence.

On this afternoon, Kim Ho-joong posted a handwritten letter on his fan cafe. "It took two years for me to write again here," he said. "I feel it again: my mistake was great." He added, "I was determined to be eligible for parole review in June 2026, and I am coming out into the world today, June 30. Rather than feeling the freedom and liberation of leaving prison, I will take on greater responsibility, reflect on my actions, and serve out the remaining portion of my sentence."

Kim Ho-joong apologized, saying, "Rather than more words, I will clearly see the situation and position I am in now and live without straying. I am sorry. I am truly sorry." He also added, "I will reflect more and straighten my heart again."

According to StarNews' investigation, Kim Ho-joong went home after being released from Somang Prison and rested. According to his close associates, Kim's ankle condition is currently poor, and he is coordinating a medical appointment with his attending physician. He plans to undergo a detailed examination in the near future and decide on the timing of surgery.

Regarding Kim Ho-joong's future activities, no plans have been finalized yet.

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*This content was translated by AI.