Refuting Allegations of "Kim Ho-joong Staggering Out of a Nightclub"
KBS Edits Footage from 'Pyeonstorang' and Others
As controversy surrounding trot singer Kim Ho-joong (33), who is under police investigation for a hit-and-run accident in Gangnam, Seoul, continues to spread, his agency has repeatedly denied the related allegations. The agency's CEO and staff have expressed their intention to take legal responsibility and protect Kim Ho-joong.
On the 16th, Saenggak Entertainment issued an official statement saying, "Kim Ho-joong only stopped by a nightlife establishment to greet an acquaintance and we reiterate that he did not consume alcohol," adding, "Staff members, including CEO Lee Gwang-deuk, who caused the issue will bear legal responsibility according to the investigation results."
This claim from Kim Ho-joong's side is a rebuttal to earlier reports accompanied by closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage that alleged "Kim Ho-joong staggered out of a nightlife establishment and got into a vehicle driven by a designated driver."
Saenggak Entertainment expressed regret over the use of subjective expressions such as "staggered," stating, "Our company feels a tremendous sense of responsibility for the current Kim Ho-joong incident," and added, "We sincerely apologize once again for causing social controversy due to our poor judgment."
Currently, Kim Ho-joong's side continues to deny any alcohol consumption, but there are suspicions that he did not return home to avoid a police breathalyzer test on the day of the accident. It is reported that he headed to a hotel in the Gyeonggi area after the accident. Although he was requested multiple times by the police to undergo investigation, he appeared at the police station around 4:30 p.m. on the 10th, approximately 17 hours after the incident.
Before Kim Ho-joong appeared at the police station, his manager, Mr. A, went to the police station wearing the clothes Kim Ho-joong had worn at the time of the accident and gave a statement implying that he was the one who caused the accident. Kim Ho-joong is being investigated for allegedly fleeing after colliding with an oncoming taxi on a road in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, around 11:40 p.m. on the 9th.
As the controversy continues, the agency insists that the circumstances suggesting concealment of the accident, such as the "false surrender" and "disposal of the black box memory card," are unrelated to Kim Ho-joong. CEO Lee Gwang-deuk stated, "I asked the manager to forcibly take Kim Ho-joong’s clothes, change into them, and handle the situation on his behalf." Mr. Lee is also Kim Ho-joong’s cousin.
The police are conducting an investigation without ruling out the possibility of organized evidence destruction and obstruction of the investigation by the agency. On the 16th, from around 6:35 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the Gangnam Police Station conducted a search and seizure of Kim Ho-joong’s residence in Gangnam-gu, as well as the CEO’s residence and office.
Amid the expanding controversy surrounding Kim Ho-joong, the broadcasting and advertising industries have begun distancing themselves. The KBS variety show “Shinsang Chulsi Pyeonstorang,” in which Kim Ho-joong appears, decided to edit his broadcast segments as much as possible. Convenience store GS25 decided not to release the 225th episode’s winning menu by Kim Ho-joong, which was scheduled for release on the 17th.
The “World Union Orchestra Super Classic: Kim Ho-joong & Primadonna” concert, which had sold out early, initially planned to proceed but announced it would seek substitute performers as the controversy escalated.
Despite these circumstances, Kim Ho-joong and his agency have faced public criticism for going ahead with performances on the 11th and 12th. The agency also plans to hold the “Trotbaroti Classic Arena Tour” at the Changwon Sports Park Indoor Gymnasium in Gyeongsangnam-do on the 18th and 19th, and at the Gimcheon Indoor Gymnasium on June 1st and 2nd. Both concerts are hosted by Kim Ho-joong’s agency.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
