"Son," "I've been waiting for you"... Kim Ho-jung released from prison, return schedule draws attention [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Singer Kim Ho-jung has been released from prison. Sentenced to two years and one month, Kim Ho-jung served 15 months and was granted parole with approximately five months of his sentence remaining. Fans who had been waiting for him gathered in front of the prison, holding signs that read, "We've been waiting for you. Let's be happy now," to offer their support.

Kim Ho-jung was released from Somang Prison in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, around 10 a.m. on June 30. This marks two years and one month since he began serving his sentence for the charge of drunk driving hit-and-run, after causing an accident while driving under the influence and fleeing the scene.

On May 9, 2024, Kim Ho-jung was driving under the influence and collided with a taxi coming from the opposite direction after crossing the center line on a road in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Following the accident, it was revealed that Kim Ho-jung and his managers attempted to cover up the drunk driving incident by swapping drivers and removing the black box memory card.

The first-instance court deemed that a heavy sentence was unavoidable for Kim Ho-jung, who faced charges including violation of 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 Ho-jung appealed the verdict, but the original ruling was upheld in the second instance. Kim Ho-jung subsequently abandoned his appeal to the Supreme Court and began serving his sentence. Having served two years and one month of the two-year-six-month term, Kim Ho-jung was released with five months remaining.

Fans gathered in front of the prison.

They welcomed his release with banners reading, "Son, you've worked hard. We love you," and "We've been waiting for you. Let's be happy now," as well as cards bearing Kim Ho-jung's name.

Judging solely by the supportive messages, it might have seemed as though they were cheering for a son returning from military service rather than someone leaving prison after committing a crime.

After being released from Somang Prison, Kim Ho-jung moved to his home to rest. Later that day, after returning home, Kim Ho-jung posted a handwritten letter on his fan cafe. Kim Ho-jung stated, "It took two years for me to write a message here again. I feel it once more: that 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 only the freedom and liberation of leaving prison, I will move forward with a greater sense of responsibility, reflecting on my actions, and completing the remaining five months of my sentence."

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

According to a report by StarNews based on information from Kim Ho-jung's close associates, Kim Ho-jung'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 to determine the timing of surgery.

There are no confirmed plans yet regarding Kim Ho-jung's future return and activities. The priority is his health recovery. Although he has been granted parole, he still has five months of his sentence remaining, so he is expected to exercise caution during that period and focus on managing his health.

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*This content was translated by AI.