Fear of Imprisonment Was Great
Confession Delayed Due to 4 Billion Won Financial Loss
Trot singer Kim Ho-jung, who was under police investigation on suspicion of drunk driving and hit-and-run, admitted to drinking on the 19th, ten days after the accident. In this regard, Professor Lee Woong-hyuk of Konkuk University's Department of Police Science stated, "Other crimes are more important than admitting to drunk driving," and emphasized that the investigation should also focus on whether there was obstruction of official duties.
On the 20th, Professor Lee said on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' "He tried to deny the drunk driving until the end, but had no choice but to admit it due to tests related to alcohol," adding, "It seems that the agency and the singer planned this together."
Before the incident, there were signs of drinking everywhere, such as Kim ordering alcohol at a screen golf course and a restaurant, and visiting a nightlife bar. However, Kim claimed that although he brought the glass to his lips, he did not drink, which sparked controversy. Professor Lee explained, "The agency seemed to think that without a blood alcohol measurement, it was meaningless, but if proven even by indirect evidence, he could face a heavy sentence of more than one year and less than 15 years," adding, "Considering the indirect evidence, it seems they judged that continuing to deny would hasten detention."
Although the fear of detention was great, Professor Lee explained that a micro-level strategy was employed to avoid a financial loss of 4 billion won. He also mentioned that the burden was likely heavy as famous comedians and rappers were summoned as witnesses for investigation.
Professor Lee viewed other crimes as more important than Kim's admission of drunk driving. He said that if Kim is found to have conspired in an organized manner with the agency to obstruct official duties through hierarchical means, along with instructing evidence destruction, the sentence could be increased. Professor Lee pointed out, "If he had confessed to drinking only a small amount, the issue might have been different," adding, "The investigation should focus on whether Kim was clearly involved in organized obstruction of official duties."
Meanwhile, a fan who tried to cancel a concert ticket after the incident said, "I requested a refund on the 18th, but they told me I had to pay about 106,000 won in fees. It was embarrassing because it wasn’t the customer’s fault," explaining why they had no choice but to attend the concert.
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