[Exclusive]Kim Ho-joong, Quiet Since Parole: This Year, the Operating Table Replaces the Stage as He Recovers from Ankle Surgery [Comprehensive Report]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

It has been confirmed that singer Kim Ho-joong (35), who was released on parole after being detained on charges of drunk driving and hit-and-run, underwent surgery on his right ankle. He is currently focusing on recovery through physical therapy and other treatments, and is expected to continue a period of self-reflection without any significant activities for the time being.

According to StarNews investigation on the 21st, Kim Ho-joong underwent right ankle surgery at a hospital around August. This was approximately two months after his release from prison on June 30. He is reportedly currently concentrating 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 thorough examination following his release, Kim Ho-joong proceeded with right ankle surgery after coordinating schedules with his attending physician. He plans to undergo left ankle surgery as well after monitoring the post-operative progress.

A close associate of Kim Ho-joong told StarNews, "Kim Ho-joong is working hard on his recovery," adding, "We can only set a schedule for surgery on the other side once the condition of the operated side has recovered as much as possible. Currently, he can walk without a brace, 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 self-reflection without any significant external activities even after the surgery. It is judged that it is not yet at the stage of discussing a return date. The associate stated, "There are no activity plans yet," and added, "This year will be focused solely on health recovery."

Previously, Kim Ho-joong was released on parole from So-mang Prison in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, on June 30. He had been serving a two-year and six-month prison sentence for a drunk driving hit-and-run accident. He passed the Ministry of Justice's parole review while serving his sentence, 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.

One month after his release, on July 27, Kim Ho-joong also shared his feelings with fans through his official fan cafe.

At the time, Kim Ho-joong stated through his official fan cafe, "Dear Aris (Kim Ho-joong's fandom). I miss you all so much. I don't know how many days I waited to convey this single sentence," adding, "The past month since my parole felt as if my time was continuing from two years ago. I carefully went through the things I had been doing one by one and gently brushed away memories that had settled with dust."

He continued, "I thought a lot about how difficult and lonely it must have been for you all during the time I was absent," adding, "Thinking of how you have kept your place unchanged, believed in me, and supported me even through the long wait, feelings of gratitude and regret come together."

Additionally, amid his former agency, Saengak Entertainment, changing its name to Art M&C, Kim Ho-joong expressed his intention to continue working with the existing staff.

Kim Ho-joong stated, "I have decided to continue moving forward with the existing staff who had to face difficulties together due to my mistakes," adding, "Since they are people who had to endure a difficult time because of me, sticking with them until the end is an important responsibility I must fulfill. I believe that is how I have lived and how I will live. It was a decision I thought about very deeply."

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

Kim Ho-joong and his agency denied drinking immediately after the accident, stating, "He did not drink," but on May 19, 2024, ten days after the incident, Kim Ho-joong admitted in a statement that, "It is true that I 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 (injury by 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 in the second instance. 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.View Original