Kim Hojoong Apologizes Throughout Changwon Concert ... Eventually Admits to Drunk Driving

Singer Kim Hojoong, who has caused public controversy over allegations of drunk driving hit-and-run and driver switching, confessed to his crime after completing all his concert schedules in Changwon, Gyeongnam.

Kim finished the 'Tvarotti Classic Arena Tour 2024 - Changwon' performances held at Changwon Sports Park over two days on the 18th and 19th.

According to fans and officials, during the concert he repeatedly told fans, "I'm sorry." He also said, "I am the one who committed the crime, you are only here to watch the performance."

The previous day, he stated, "All the truth will be revealed," and "I will take all the blame and pain."

Singer Kim Hojung's concert held at Changwon Sports Park Indoor Gymnasium, Gyeongnam.
Photo by Lee Seryeong

After the concert, Kim released an apology through his agency and admitted to drunk driving.

He said, "I sincerely apologize for causing pain and disappointment to many people due to a moment of poor judgment," and added, "I drove under the influence of alcohol. I deeply regret and am reflecting on my actions."

He continued, "I will faithfully cooperate with the police investigation," and added, "Once again, I bow my head in apology."

His agency, Think Entertainment, also stated, "We apologize for causing social controversy due to our poor judgment," and admitted, "From our initial official statement until now, we have only tried to hide the situation. We did not act truthfully."

Fans of singer Kim Hojung are leaving the concert venue, Changwon Sports Park Indoor Gymnasium in Gyeongnam, all at once after the concert.
Photo by Lee Seryung

Previously, Kim Hojoong was accused of hitting a taxi on the opposite road in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, at around 11:40 p.m. on the 9th, and fleeing the scene without taking any action.

He did not respond to the police's request to appear and only showed up for a sobriety test 17 hours after the accident, by which time it was virtually impossible to measure his blood alcohol level. He strongly denied the drunk driving allegations at the time.

However, a urine test by the National Forensic Service detected alcohol metabolites?byproducts produced as the body processes alcohol?in Kim's urine, confirming that he had consumed alcohol before the accident. This and other evidence increasingly pointed to drunk driving.

Police believe that Kim's manager falsely confessed to being the driver and removed the car's black box memory in an attempt to cover up the incident, and are investigating Kim and his agency on charges including drunk driving, failure to take action after an accident, destruction of evidence, and obstruction of justice by fraudulent means.