SEOUL, March 19 (Yonhap) -- Popera singer Kim Ho-joong, aged 33, has found himself embroiled in a legal battle following a significant incident last year. On Wednesday, prosecutors demanded a prison term of three and a half years for Kim after he fled the scene of an accident involving a taxi in Seoul's Gangnam Ward. In a stark turn of events, Kim also involved his manager by turning him in to the authorities in an attempt to obscure his own culpability.
The incident occurred on May 9, 2024, when Kim rammed his car into a stationary taxi while allegedly under the influence of alcohol. Following the crash, he left the scene without taking necessary actions to report the incident or check on those involved. It wasn’t until ten days later that Kim admitted his wrongdoing to the authorities.
During his final testimony, Kim expressed remorse for his actions: "I reflected on all of my faults during my time served at the Seoul Detention Center and tried to repent (my actions) sincerely," he said. Despite his acknowledgment, the gravity of the charges and the potential consequences loom over him.
Prior to this hearing, the Seoul Central District Court had already sentenced Kim to two and a half years in prison in November 2024. However, he quickly lodged an appeal, arguing that the initial sentence was excessively harsh. The appellate court is set to announce a ruling on April 25, 2025.
On the day of the appeal, the prosecution reiterated its desire to maintain the sentence, firmly believing that the actions taken by Kim constituted a severe breach of the law. They have insisted that the appellate court uphold the initial ruling as a clear message against reckless behavior that endangers lives.
Kim's defense team, however, presented a differing viewpoint. They argued that the sentence was too severe given Kim's lack of a prior criminal record and the fact that he had reached an agreement with the victim. In their defense, they also addressed allegations made in the media, suggesting that Kim had engaged in a controversial tactic termed "the alcohol loading method" to evade drunk-driving charges, which they asserted was a misunderstanding.
In his defense statement, Kim Ho-joong reiterated the lessons he claimed to have learned from his experience. "During my time in the Seoul Detention Center, I thoroughly reflected on my mistakes. I have truly made an effort to repent," he said. Additionally, he promised to abstain from driving under the influence in the future, acknowledging that his crime will follow him, yet expressing a desire to view the incident as a turning point in his life.
The appeal comes after Kim faced severe backlash from the public and media, which scrutinized not only his actions but also his motives. He was accused of serious irresponsibility: having fled from the scene and misleading authorities through the actions of his manager, who initially took the blame for the incident.
With the pressure mounting and public opinion against him, Kim has attempted to mitigate some of the damage by expressing numerous apologies—reportedly writing as many as 100 letters of apology to various stakeholders involved in his case. He publicly acknowledged, "I'm sorry for causing a stir in society. I'm also sorry to the victim teacher. I'm also sorry for wasting public power on my case." His words indicate a recognition of the broader implications of his actions beyond his own legal troubles.
As the city of Seoul and its inhabitants watch closely, Kim Ho-joong’s case serves as a significant reminder of the responsibilities held by public figures and the consequences of their actions. The outcome of the appeal on April 25 will not only determine Kim’s fate but could also affect how similar cases are viewed in the future.
The legal proceedings underscore an ongoing conversation about accountability and the standards expected of celebrities, particularly regarding behavior that can endanger lives. With his career hanging in the balance, Kim's actions now rest in the hands of the appellate court, which is set to make its decision shortly.
As we await that decision, it remains to be seen how Kim Ho-joong will navigate the ramifications of this incident and whether he can genuinely turn his life around as he claims, leveraging this turbulent experience as a catalyst for profound personal growth.
