[Exclusive]Kim Ho-joong Undergoes Ankle Surgery Two Months After Release from Prison: "No Return This Year, Focused on Recovery"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Singer Kim Ho-joong (35), who was released on parole after being detained on charges of drunk driving, has undergone surgery on his right ankle following his release and is currently recovering. No specific plans for activities are expected in the near future.

According to a StarNews investigation on the 21st, Kim Ho-joong underwent surgery on his right ankle at a hospital around August. This was approximately two months after his release from prison on June 30. He is reportedly currently focusing on recovery through physical therapy and other treatments.

It is known that Kim Ho-joong had poor ankle condition even before the accident, to the extent that ligament reconstruction surgery was necessary, but he was unable to receive proper treatment due to his incarceration.

After visiting a hospital for a detailed examination following his release, Kim Ho-joong proceeded with right ankle surgery after coordinating his schedule with his attending physician. He plans to undergo surgery on his left ankle as well after monitoring the post-operative progress of the first procedure.

A close associate of Kim Ho-joong told StarNews, "Kim Ho-joong is working hard to recover," adding, "We can only set a schedule for the other side's surgery once the condition of the operated side has returned as much as possible. Currently, he can walk without braces, but it is difficult to run or engage in strenuous exercise."

The timing of his return to activities has not yet been determined. Kim Ho-joong plans to continue a period of self-reflection without any significant public activities even after the surgery. It is judged that it is not yet at the stage of discussing when he will return. The associate stated, "There are no activity plans yet," and added, "This year, he will focus solely on recovering his health."

Previously, Kim Ho-joong was released on parole from So-mang Prison in Yeju, Gyeonggi Province, on June 30. He had been serving a two-year and six-month prison sentence for a hit-and-run accident while drunk when he passed the Ministry of Justice's parole review, resulting in his release approximately five months earlier than originally scheduled. He will be under probation for the remainder of his sentence after his release.

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

Kim Ho-joong and his agency initially denied drinking, stating "he did not drink" immediately after the accident, but on May 19, 2024, ten days after the incident, Kim Ho-joong admitted in a statement that "it is true that he was driving under the influence."

The first-instance court determined that a heavy sentence was unavoidable for Kim Ho-joong, who faced charges including violation of the Act on Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes (causing injury through dangerous driving), and sentenced him to two years and six months in prison. Kim Ho-joong appealed the verdict, but the original ruling was upheld on appeal. Subsequently, Kim Ho-joong abandoned his further appeal and began serving his sentence.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original