Kim Ho Joong has been sentenced to two years and six months in prison for his involvement in a drunk driving hit-and-run incident.
Seoul Central District Court’s 26th Criminal Division, presided over by Judge Choi Min Hye, sentenced Kim Ho Joong to 2 years and 6 months in prison on November 13 for violating the Act on Aggravated Punishment.
The court criticized him for driving under the influence and causing harm, then fleeing the scene and making his manager take the blame.
Despite clear CCTV evidence, he denied responsibility and offered unclear explanations.
The 33-year-old Trot singer was indicted for his involvement in a collision in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on May 9 at 11:44 PM. According to reports, he caused the accident while changing lanes and then fled the scene, violating the Road Traffic Act.
Immediately after the incident, his manager attempted to cover up his involvement by changing into his clothes and surrendering himself to authorities, making false statements in the process.
Kim initially denied drunk driving allegations but later admitted to the offense. He faced trial for dangerous driving resulting in death, hit-and-run, and other Road Traffic Act violations. Prosecutors did not pursue the drunk driving charge due to challenges in determining his exact blood alcohol level. Prosecutors requested a 3.5-year prison term for him in September.
Kim Ho Joong was sentenced while in custody after the court denied his bail request in August due to worsening ankle pain. He showed remorse by submitting three reflection statements on September 5, September 16, and October 28.