Singer Kim Ho Joong (35), who was serving time for a driving under the influence (DUI) hit-and-run, has been released on parole after 2 years and 1 month in custody. He left the correctional facility without addressing the fans gathered outside.
Kim Ho Joong walked out of Somang Correctional Facility in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, on Tuesday morning. Initially sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in both lower and appellate courts, Kim was set to complete his term in November. However, his recent parole approval has resulted in an early release, about 5 months ahead of schedule.
Typically, inmates become eligible for parole after serving at least one-third of their sentence, demonstrating good behavior, and showing low risk of recidivism. The Ministry of Justice’s guidelines further stipulate that inmates must complete at least 60% of their sentence to be considered for preliminary parole review.
Fans began gathering outside Somang Correctional Facility as early as 7:00 a.m. (Korean time), eagerly awaiting Kim Ho Joong’s release. Speaking to News1, they expressed concern about Kim Ho Joong’s ankle condition, which had reportedly worsened during his incarceration, requiring surgery. They hoped for his swift recovery and return to good health.
Another fan shared that it hopes he stays healthy and continues to sing well. It would be great if he could repay fans with good music, but for now, they just want him to focus on his treatment and recovery.
By 9:00 a.m. (Korean time), an hour before the scheduled release, about 30 fans had assembled outside the facility. They held up banners reading, “Son, you’ve been through a lot. We love you. We’ve waited. Let’s be happy now,” along with a large banner featuring Kim Ho Joong’s face.
Police set up barricades and worked diligently to maintain order and ensure safety.
At precisely 10:00 a.m. (Korean time), Kim Ho Joong emerged from Somang Correctional Facility, dressed in a black suit and mask. He quietly carried his belongings, lining up with other released inmates to pass through the main gate. Volunteers and correctional staff applauded as he exchanged final farewells.
After brief goodbyes, Kim Ho Joong entered a white sedan and swiftly departed the facility without addressing the media or fans.
As Kim Ho Joong’s vehicle drove away, fans chanted his name while police maintained crowd control for safety.
Kim Ho Joong was arrested on May 9, 2024, for a DUI hit-and-run incident in Seoul’s Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam district. He crossed the center line in his vehicle and collided with an oncoming taxi before fleeing the scene. The controversy intensified when it was revealed that his agency’s representatives and manager attempted to cover up the drunk driving by switching drivers and removing the dashboard camera’s memory card.
On November 1, 2024, the court of first instance deemed a severe sentence necessary for Kim Ho Joong, who was charged under the Act on Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (dangerous driving causing injury). He was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison. Kim appealed the verdict, but the appellate court upheld the original sentence. Subsequently, he dropped further appeals and began serving his term.
Prior to his parole, Kim Ho Joong posted a handwritten letter on April 1 to his official fan cafe, Tvarotti. He wrote that as his two-year sentence nears its end, he will keep my wrongdoings etched in his memory. He expressed his determination to make a comeback and sing again. Kim Ho Joong added that during these two years, he faced temptations and ridicule, but he resisted them thanks to the love and faith from his family. There were floods, storms, and leaks everywhere. But today, he sees that the light of Aris (his fandom’s name) has filled all those wounds with faith and love.