Trot Singer Kim Ho-joong Withdraws Appeal, Sentence Confirmed

On May 19, it was confirmed that Trot singer Kim Ho-joong (김호중), 34, has withdrawn his appeal against a prison sentence related to charges of drunk driving and fleeing the scene of an accident. As a result, the appellate court's ruling of 2 years and 6 months in prison has been finalized. According to the Supreme Court, Kim's legal team submitted a notice to withdraw the appeal concerning charges of aggravated driving under the influence.

Kim was charged after an incident on May 9, 2024, in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam, Seoul, where he drove under the influence, crossed the center line, and collided with a taxi before fleeing the scene. Evidence also emerged that he attempted to conceal his actions by having a staff member turn himself in on his behalf and refusing to provide passwords for three confiscated mobile phones.

In the initial trial, the court sentenced Kim to 2 years and 6 months in prison, stating, 'Despite causing personal and property damage by hitting a taxi while driving drunk, Kim irresponsibly fled the scene and had his manager falsely confess, causing confusion in the initial investigation and wasting police resources.' The appellate court upheld this sentence last month, acknowledging that Kim's judgment and attention were significantly impaired due to alcohol, leading to the accident.