Kim Ho-jung's Agency "All Employees Resign... Reviewing Continuation of Business"

CEO Position Change Also Decided
Termination of Contracts with Affiliated Celebrities Without Conditions

Thinking Entertainment, the agency of singer Kim Ho-joong who was arrested on charges of drunk driving and hit-and-run, has decided on the resignation of all executives and employees as well as a change in the CEO position.

Trot singer Kim Ho-jung, accused of 'hit-and-run under the influence,' is moving to a vehicle after completing an investigation at Gangnam Police Station in Seoul on the afternoon of the 21st. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 27th, Thinking Entertainment stated in a statement, "We sincerely apologize once again for disappointing many people due to the Kim Ho-joong incident." They added, "Thinking Entertainment has decided on the resignation of all executives and employees related to this incident and a change in the CEO position." They also said, "We extend our apologies to the artists affiliated with our company regarding this matter," and "We are currently reviewing whether to continue the management business. We plan to terminate exclusive contracts without any conditions upon consultation, prioritizing the opinions of our affiliated artists." Currently, Thinking Entertainment represents Kim Ho-joong, the group TAN, and actors Kim Kwang-gyu and Son Ho-jun, among others.

Furthermore, Thinking Entertainment said, "We will do our best to take follow-up measures to prevent any additional damage to all partner companies affected by this incident," and "We once again apologize to everyone who has been harmed by our company and Kim Ho-joong."

Singer Kim Ho-joong was driving his own car on the 9th when he crossed the center line on a road in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and collided with a taxi coming from the opposite direction. After the accident, it was revealed that the agency’s CEO and managers attempted to cover up Kim Ho-joong’s drunk driving by switching drivers and removing the black box memory card, which intensified the controversy.

Kim Ho-joong and his agency denied the drunk driving allegations after the accident became public, stating, "He did not drink." However, on the afternoon of the 19th, ten days after the incident and shortly after his solo concert in Changwon, they finally admitted in a statement, "It is true that he was driving under the influence." On the 24th, Kim Ho-joong underwent a detention hearing, and subsequently, arrest warrants were issued for Thinking Entertainment CEO Lee Kwang-deuk and director Jeon. All three are currently under detention and investigation. CEO Lee is accused of instructing a manager to falsely confess, while Jeon is charged with removing the black box memory card.