Kim Hojung's Agency Denies "Performance in Prison" Rumors
"Performance at Sejong Center? He Didn't Even Go Near the Venue"
Scenes from Kim Hojung's solo concert held at the Sejong Center Grand Theater in 2023. Photo by Saeng Entertainment
The management agency of singer Kim Hojung, who is currently incarcerated on charges of drunk driving and hit-and-run, has denied recent rumors that he performed on stage at the Sejong Center as a member of the Somang Prison Choir, calling them "groundless." It has been confirmed that Kim Hojung was not included in the list of inmates who performed on stage that day.
Kim Hojung's Side: "No Performance During Incarceration... Not a Choir Member Either"
On December 12, Kim Hojung's management stated, "The reports claiming that Kim Hojung performed on stage at the Sejong Center Grand Theater the previous day as a member of the Somang Prison Choir are not true." They added, "He is not even a member of the Somang Prison Choir. He is currently at the correctional facility and did not go anywhere near the concert venue."
Previously, a media outlet reported that Kim Hojung appeared on stage as a member of the Somang Prison Choir at the Sejin Music Concert held at the Sejong Center Grand Theater on Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul. The report also mentioned that Kim Hojung was seen limping on stage and that some fans were moved to tears by the sight.
"I Saw Kim Hojung Perform"... Rumors Sparked by YouTuber's Comment
The report is said to have originated from accounts of people claiming to have witnessed Kim Hojung performing with the choir. This was fueled by a YouTuber who stated on their broadcast, "I left in a hurry after only watching Kim Hojung's performance." However, it has been confirmed that Kim Hojung was not included in the list of inmates who performed on stage that day.
The Sejin Music Concert is an event organized by the Ministry of Justice, where inmates from correctional facilities take time to reflect on their personal growth and make commitments through musical performances. This year marked the 42nd edition of the event. According to the Sejong Center, the performers on stage included soprano Lee Kyungmi, tenor Kook Yoonjong, and baritone Hwang Jungchul. The Somang Prison Somang Choir, Myongji Elementary School Chambeet Choir, and Kwanglim Church Trinity Choir also participated, presenting a performance that lasted a total of 100 minutes.
Kim Hojung is attending the detention hearing (pre-trial detention hearing) at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on May 24th of last year.
On May 9 of last year, at 11:44 p.m., Kim Hojung was indicted and subsequently detained on charges of drunk driving and fleeing the scene after crossing the centerline and colliding with a taxi on the opposite side of the road on Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Additional charges were brought against him for having his manager, Mr. Jang, turn himself in on his behalf. In May of this year, Kim Hojung was sentenced to two years and six months in prison, a sentence that has now been finalized. He is currently serving his sentence at Somang Prison.
Recently, Kim Hojung became eligible for the Christmas parole review by the Parole Review Committee under the Ministry of Justice. According to the Criminal Act, those sentenced to a fixed-term imprisonment may be considered for parole after serving one-third of their sentence. Kim Hojung automatically became a candidate for parole review under the relevant law, which takes into account factors such as age, motive for the crime, type of offense, and risk of reoffending. However, given that public opinion about Kim Hojung remains unfavorable, it is unclear whether parole will actually be granted.
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