Singer Kim Hojoong, who has been serving a prison sentence for a DUI hit-and-run accident, is being released on parole today, June 30.
Kim Hojoong will depart from Yeoju Somang Correctional Institution in Gyeonggi Province. This release comes approximately five months earlier than his original scheduled completion date in November, following approval from the Ministry of Justice's Parole Review Committee.
Kim Hojoong plans to focus on his health immediately following his release. His representatives stated, "He has long suffered from poor conditions in both ankles, and the symptoms worsened during his incarceration as he could not receive adequate treatment. He plans to undergo ankle surgery and rehabilitation right after his release." As a parolee, he will be subject to probation and must obtain authorization from relevant authorities for any changes in residence or international travel.
It is reported that there is little likelihood of his release being a public event. Kim Hojoong is expected to leave the correctional facility by vehicle without any separate public appearances.
Kim Hojoong was indicted for driving under the influence in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, in May 2024, crossing the center line to collide with a taxi, and then fleeing the scene. During the investigation, the case sparked significant public outrage as details emerged regarding his manager attempting to turn himself in falsely and allegations of Kim attempting to obstruct blood alcohol concentration measurements by consuming additional alcohol after the accident.
The court found him guilty of charges including fleeing the scene under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes, sentencing him to two years and six months in prison. After beginning his sentence at the Seoul Detention Center, he was transferred to Yeoju Somang Correctional Institution last August.
Ahead of his release, fans of Kim Hojoong continue to show their support while awaiting his return. Recently, news surfaced that Kim Hojoong surpassed 5 billion cumulative streams on the domestic music platform Melon, earning him a spot in the Gold Club.
Photo by Baek Seung-chul
kykang@sbs.co.kr
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.