KBS Prohibited from Using the Name of 'Super Classic' Hosted by Kim Ho-joong Participation

Kim Ho-jung Admits Drunk Driving but Proceeds with Super Classic Concert

KBS announced on the 20th that it has terminated the contract for the use of the organizer's name for the 'World Union Orchestra Super Classic: Kim Ho-joong & Primadonna' concert, which will be held on the 23rd and 24th at the KSPO Dome (Olympic Gymnastics Arena) in Seoul, and has taken measures such as prohibiting the use of the organizer's name and logo.

KBS was scheduled to participate as the organizer of the concert. However, due to Kim Ho-joong, a performer in the concert, recently causing a controversy with a drunk driving traffic accident, KBS decided to withdraw from participating as the organizer.

Regarding the recent issue that occurred ahead of the 'World Union Orchestra Super Classic: Kim Ho-joong & Primadonna' concert, KBS reported that it sent a formal notice to the organizer, Doomir, urging faithful fulfillment of obligations under the contract to prevent damage to KBS's reputation, and requested a response by 9 a.m. on the 20th. However, Doomir did not respond by the deadline. Consequently, KBS terminated the contract for the use of the organizer's name, prohibited the use of the organizer's name and logo, and notified Doomir, the organizer, of these measures.

Singer Kim Ho-jung [Photo by Yonhap News]

The 'World Union Orchestra Super Classic: Kim Ho-joong & Primadonna' concert attracted great attention as Kim Ho-joong performed alongside active members of four of the world's top orchestras: the Vienna Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, and Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (RCO). Tickets sold out immediately after sales began at 8 p.m. on the 3rd. On the 23rd, Kim Ho-joong is scheduled to perform with the world-renowned soprano Aida Garifullina, and on the 24th, he will collaborate with the famous American soprano Larisa Martinez.

However, on the 9th at around 11:40 p.m., Kim Ho-joong is accused of fleeing the scene after causing a collision with a taxi on the opposite side of a road in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu (charges include hit-and-run causing injury under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes and failure to take measures after an accident under the Road Traffic Act). At the time, Kim Ho-joong denied allegations of drunk driving and did not respond sincerely to the police's summons after the accident. He stayed at a hotel after the accident and appeared before the police only 17 hours later, when a breathalyzer test was practically impossible.

Kim Ho-joong repeatedly denied the drunk driving allegations and proceeded with the scheduled 'Tbaroti Classic Arena Tour' held in Changwon, Gyeongnam, on the 18th and 19th, but later admitted to drunk driving. Although Kim Ho-joong admitted to drunk driving, it is known that he intends to proceed with the 'World Union Orchestra Super Classic' concert as planned.