KBS Temporarily Suspends Kim Ho-jung's Appearances

"If a legal ruling is issued, the level of regulation will be reconsidered"

KBS has decided to impose a 'temporary broadcast suspension' on singer Kim Ho-joong, who was arrested on charges of drunk driving and hit-and-run.

Singer Kim Ho-jung, who is accused of drunk hit-and-run, appeared at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 24th for a warrant hearing (pre-arrest suspect interrogation). Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@

Yonhap News reported on the 29th that KBS held a broadcast appearance regulation review committee meeting on the same day and made this decision regarding Kim Ho-joong. Temporary broadcast suspension refers to a broadcaster's independent decision to suspend appearances of individuals who have caused social controversy but have not yet received a legal verdict.

KBS stated, "Although the court's ruling has not yet been made, Kim Ho-joong caused serious social controversy by repeatedly lying about the accident during drunk driving," and added, "Considering numerous viewers' petitions requesting a ban on Kim Ho-joong's broadcast appearances, we decided on a temporary suspension." They also explained, "We will adjust the level of regulation after the court's first trial verdict."

KBS conducts broadcast appearance regulation reviews for celebrities or the general public who have caused social controversy due to illegal or immoral acts such as sexual violence, drunk driving, or drug crimes. Depending on the severity of the case, regulatory measures such as 'broadcast suspension,' 'temporary appearance regulation,' or 'recommendation to refrain from casting' are applied.

Kim Ho-joong was arrested on the 24th of this month on charges of drunk driving and fleeing the scene after causing an accident by hitting a taxi in the opposite lane while driving under the influence on a road in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 9th. After the accident, Kim denied the charges, with his manager falsely surrendering while wearing Kim Ho-joong's clothes, and he proceeded with scheduled performances, causing controversy. Ten days later, on the afternoon of the 19th, he admitted to drunk driving through a statement.

As a result, posts petitioning for Kim Ho-joong's removal from broadcasts have been continuously posted on the KBS viewer bulletin board. Previously, KBS had maintained a relationship with Kim Ho-joong by holding a solo classical show and preparing performances together until recently. However, after the incident, KBS edited out all of Kim Ho-joong's footage from the 2TV variety program 'Shinsang Chulsi Pyeonstorang' and notified the prohibition of using the "KBS-hosted name and logo" for the 'World Union Orchestra Super Classic: Kim Ho-joong & Primadonna' performance featuring Kim Ho-joong.