Kim Ho-jung Fans Oppose Demolition of Gimcheon Sorigil "Even Lee Jae-myung and Cho Kuk Are There..."

"Contributing to the Local Economy... Demolition is Premature"
"Cannot Understand Why Only Kim Hojung is Treated Harshly"

Singer Kim Ho-jung (33) was arrested on charges of hit-and-run while driving under the influence, sparking a flood of civil complaints demanding the removal of the 'Kim Ho-jung Sorigil' (Kim Ho-jung Sound Street) established in Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk. Amid this, some fans have issued a statement opposing the removal.

Su Kim Hojung, who is under suspicion of drunk driving, is appearing at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu on the 24th for a warrant hearing.

On the 27th, a post titled "Statement Opposing the Removal of Kim Ho-jung Sorigil" was uploaded on 'Kim Ho-jung Gallery,' a fan community of Kim Ho-jung. The fans stated, "Removing Sorigil due to public opinion would infringe upon a civic cultural space created with citizens' taxes, so fans must clearly express their position. We have gathered internal opinions and are issuing this statement," adding, "Until a judicial verdict is reached, removal is premature."

Kim Ho-jung-gil is a symbolic street dedicated to trot singer Kim Ho-jung, created by Gimcheon City in 2021 with a budget of 200 million won as a tourism-specialized street. The approximately 100-meter-long alley is decorated in purple, the symbolic color of Kim's fan cafe, and features murals of Kim and his song lyrics throughout.

Through the statement, fans claimed, "Even before its completion, word of mouth attracted travelers and revitalized the city. Since its completion, over 100,000 tourists have visited annually, contributing to the local economy. It transformed a desolate alley into a respectable travel destination and discovered hidden tourist resources, turning it into a vibrant space." They emphasized, "As Kim Ho-jung Sorigil has established itself as a representative tourist spot of Gimcheon City, removal is premature and should be discussed only after the sentence is finalized through the trial process."

Kim Ho-jung Sorigil
[Photo by Gimcheon-si]

The statement also mentioned figures such as Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, and Cho Kuk, leader of the Innovation Party. Fans appealed, "Those who received a two-year prison sentence in the appellate court and then ran for the National Assembly while crying out against prosecutorial dictatorship, those who reversed their declaration to waive immunity and pleaded for rejection within their party, and those who have not been summoned even once by prosecutors in four years as 'all-powerful' suspects?these are all shameful faces of South Korea. While these power holders deceive the public under the guise of exercising their rights in a rule-of-law country and live openly, we cannot understand why such harsh stones are being thrown only at Kim Ho-jung, who has admitted his wrongdoing and is reflecting and repenting."

The dilemma of Gimcheon City is also deepening. A Gimcheon City official said, "We have received many related inquiry calls and numerous posts requesting removal," expressing difficulty in handling the situation. "We are internally reviewing the removal," the official added, "Although Kim has been arrested, the decision on whether to remove Kim Ho-jung-gil will be made after observing the investigation results."