'Hit and Run Injury' Can Theoretically Result in a 30-Year Sentence
"Added Offense Due to Public Sentiment... Return Uncertain"
A legal expert analyzed that trot singer Kim Ho-jung (33), who is accused of drunk driving and hit-and-run, could face up to 30 years in prison.
"The heaviest charge applied to Kim Ho-jung is hit-and-run causing injury... 'More than 1 year' imprisonment, up to 30 years possible"
Singer Kim Ho-jung, who is accused of drunk hit-and-run, is answering questions from reporters as he is being transferred to the prosecution at Gangnam Police Station in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 31st of last month. [Image source=Yonhap News]
On the 17th, lawyer Park Joo-hee, who appeared on 'YTN Newsquare 2PM,' said, "Lawyers who encountered Kim Ho-jung's case must have all felt regret," adding, "Many people are also discussing whether this case warranted detention to this extent. If a settlement had been reached at the scene, the punishment would have ended with drunk driving." He pointed out, "However, the heaviest crime applied to Kim right now is hit-and-run causing injury." He emphasized, "The punishment for causing an accident and fleeing without proper measures is imprisonment of 'more than 1 year,' so arithmetically, a sentence of up to 30 years can be imposed. It is a very serious crime."
Regarding the fact that Kim Ho-jung reached a settlement with the victim about a month later, lawyer Park said, "In traffic accidents, since there is a clear victim, the court looks at how much effort was made to ensure the victim can receive proper treatment to recover," and predicted that the settlement itself could influence sentencing. However, he added, "Having a settlement does not mean there will be no punishment or acquittal," and stated, "There will be a reduction in sentence, but there is concern about whether imprisonment can be avoided when sentences are combined."
"Non-custodial trial expected going forward... 'Gwaesimjwe' applied, return to entertainment uncertain"
Regarding the extension of detention, lawyer Park said, "It seems the prosecution's decision remains," and explained, "Since there are two days left in the detention period, it needs to be clarified whether they will indict while in custody within these two days or release him and indict him without custody so that he can face a non-custodial trial." In this regard, lawyer Park predicted, "From my perspective, since an extension has already been granted once, the prosecution had sufficient time to review evidence and interview witnesses, so I expect a non-custodial indictment and trial."
As it became known that Kim Ho-jung was effectively expelled not only from KBS but also from the three major terrestrial broadcasters, opinions have emerged that a return to the entertainment industry is practically difficult. In particular, KBS has already decided to impose a 'temporary suspension of broadcast appearances' on Kim Ho-jung. Regarding this, lawyer Park said, "Compared to other crimes, there is a very serious view on drunk driving, and moreover, Kim did not just cause an accident due to drunk driving but also publicly lied," adding, "There is an additional 'gwaesimjwe' (public resentment) factor due to public sentiment, so I expect it will take a long time before he can return."
Kim Ho-jung charged with 'drunk hit-and-run'... Prosecution applied for one extension of detention period
Earlier, around 11:40 PM on the 9th of last month, Kim Ho-jung is accused of driving under the influence and colliding with a taxi stopped on the opposite side of Apgujeong-ro in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, then fleeing the scene. He is also accused of attempting to switch drivers by coercing a false confession from an agency employee after the accident. Subsequently, the Gangnam Police Station applied charges including dangerous driving causing injury and hit-and-run causing injury under the Act on Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, drunk driving and failure to take measures after an accident under the Road Traffic Act, and aiding a fugitive, and transferred Kim Ho-jung to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office on the 31st of last month.
On the 9th, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office extended Kim Ho-jung's detention period by ten days until the 19th, stating, "There are many people involved and the case is complicated, so there is much to investigate." The detention period for a suspect during prosecution is ten days, but with court approval, it can be extended once for up to ten more days.
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