Kim Ho-jung Alma Mater Operates Shelter Named 'Tbaroti House'
Earlier, Public Opinion Emerged to Remove 'Kim Ho-jung Sorigil'
Former Principal: "Promising Singer Faced Public Backlash"
Singer Kim Ho-jung was arrested on charges of drunk driving and hit-and-run, sparking controversy over the existence of the 'Kim Ho-jung Sorigil' named after him. Meanwhile, a shelter known as the 'Tbaroti House' at his alma mater has also come under public scrutiny.
According to Yonhap News and Kimcheon Arts High School on the 28th, the shelter 'Tbaroti House' was completed around September 2020, one year before the creation of the 'Kim Ho-jung Sorigil.' The shelter was built with a support fund of 24.17 million KRW provided by Kimcheon City to the school as part of an educational environment support project, covering an area of 8.5 pyeong (approximately 28 square meters). The shelter features photos and press releases of Kim, making it known as a popular spot for fans to visit.
The notice at 'Tbaroti House' states, "This space is used as a shelter for the nationwide Aris (Kim Ho-jung fan club) who cherish, love, and support Kim Ho-jung, a graduate of Kimcheon Arts High School and a popular singer, as well as for current students of this school." A Kimcheon City official said, "The support was provided upon the school's request for a student rest facility," and added, "The name 'Tbaroti House' was arbitrarily decided by the school."
Singer Kim Ho-jung, who is accused of drunk driving and hit-and-run, along with related agency officials, appeared in court on the 24th for a pre-arrest detention hearing.
Earlier, Kim and his agency's CEO and director were arrested on the 24th after the court judged there was a risk of evidence tampering. Kim and others are currently detained at the Seoul Gangnam Police Station jail and are under investigation. Amid this, voices are rising demanding the removal of the 'Kim Ho-jung Sorigil' established in Kimcheon, Kim's hometown. Dozens of posts titled "Remove the criminal's Sorigil" have been uploaded on the Kimcheon City Hall website's free bulletin board.
Because of this, criticism has also been directed at the 'Tbaroti House' shelter. According to Yonhap News, one citizen said, "The school is problematic for turning a blind eye to school violence and promoting a student who only attended for a year and a half."
A, the former principal of Gimcheon Arts High School, posted a video on the 22nd defending Kim Ho-joong. [Image source=Captured from A's YouTube]
However, former principal A of Kimcheon Arts High School posted a YouTube video defending Kim. Before Kim's arrest, on the 22nd, A said, "It is regrettable that harsh public opinion is trying to destroy a person," and questioned, "Why is it that the mistakes of a powerless singer are not tolerated, while serious politicians are treated so leniently?" In response, netizens criticized, saying, "If a student makes a mistake, they should be scolded, but he posted a video implying 'Ho-jung is a political scapegoat.'"
A Gyeongbuk Provincial Office of Education official said, "Until now, it may have been created as a source of pride for the school and for promotional purposes," but added, "According to what the school has conveyed, there are no official plans for removal."
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