Drunk Driving and Hit-and-Run Charges
Denied Until Now, Admitted After Ten Days
The police have requested the Ministry of Justice to impose a travel ban related to the case of trot singer Kim Hojung, who is accused of drunk driving and hit-and-run.
According to the police on the 20th, the travel ban targets four individuals: Kim, Kim's manager, the head of headquarters who removed the black box memory card, and the agency representative. Approval from the Ministry of Justice is currently pending.
Kim had denied the allegations until now but admitted to them after ten days. On the 19th, after finishing a performance in Changwon, Kim released a statement through his agency, Saenggak Entertainment, saying, "I drove under the influence. I deeply regret and reflect on my actions. I will sincerely cooperate with the police investigation." He added, "I want to sincerely apologize for the hurt and disappointment my momentary wrong judgment has caused many people."
The agency involved in evidence destruction stated, "From the initial official stance until now, we have been desperate to hide the situation. We sincerely apologize for not acting truthfully." They continued, "We voluntarily appeared before the police, admitted to the facts including drunk driving, and will sincerely cooperate with the investigation. Our agency committed an irreversible mistake due to the wrong belief that we must protect the artist." A police official said, "Kim's attendance and schedule may be flexible depending on the investigation schedule."
Kim is accused of fleeing after a collision with a taxi around 11:40 p.m. on the 9th in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Kim appeared before the police only at 4:30 p.m. the following day. Evidence of Kim's drunk driving gradually emerged. On the 17th, the police received urine test results from the National Forensic Service (NFS) indicating that Kim had consumed alcohol before the accident. The NFS responded, "Considering that about 20 hours passed from the accident to urine collection, alcohol metabolites (byproducts produced as the body processes alcohol) exceeding the standard for determining intoxication were detected, suggesting alcohol consumption before the accident." Additionally, CCTV footage showing Kim leaving a nightlife establishment and calling a designated driver before heading home was released. The police also reportedly secured a recorded file in which Kim directly asked his manager, "I had an accident while driving under the influence. Please appear on my behalf."
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