DUI and Hit-and-Run Charges
Denied Until Now, Admitted After Ten Days
On the 20th, the Ministry of Justice approved travel bans for four individuals: trot singer Kim Ho-jung, who is accused of drunk driving and hit-and-run, Kim’s manager, the head of the headquarters who removed the black box memory card, and the agency representative. 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 cooperate sincerely with the investigation. Our mistaken belief that we had to protect the artist led to an irreversible wrongdoing.” A police official said, “Kim’s attendance and schedule are subject to change depending on the investigation schedule.”
Kim is accused of fleeing the scene after a collision with a taxi around 11:40 p.m. on the 9th in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. He 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 replied, “Considering that about 20 hours passed from the accident to urine collection, alcohol metabolites (byproducts produced during the body’s processing of 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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