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| Kim Ho-jung / Photo = Newsis |
, ‘While singer Kim Ho-jung is facing trial on charges of hit-and-run, the victim of the accident has petitioned for clemency for Kim Ho-jung.’, ‘According to Star News on the 8th, the victim, taxi driver A, submitted a petition for clemency for Kim Ho-jung at the Seoul Central District Court, Criminal Division 26, where the case was being tried.’, ‘Kim Ho-jung’s lawyer also confirmed this fact. The lawyer said to Star News, “The victim’s petition has been submitted,” and added, “I need to confirm how it was submitted since I was not involved in it. I have not directly contacted the victim.”‘,
‘Previously, it was reported that Kim Ho-jung’s side belatedly contacted A during the prosecution’s investigation to convey an apology and came to an agreement. The impact of A’s petition on the trial is drawing attention.’, ‘In addition, Kim Ho-jung’s lawyer stated that an additional 1,500-page petition from fans was submitted. The lawyer explained, “Petitions from fans keep coming to the office every day, and we collected them to submit altogether as it was too troublesome to submit each time.”‘, ‘Kim Ho-jung is facing a second trial on the 19th. Kim Ho-jung’s lawyer stated, “I will address the acknowledgment of the allegations on that day (during the trial).”‘, ‘Earlier in June, the prosecution indicted Kim Ho-jung on charges of violating the Act on Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (dangerous driving resulting in injury/fatal hit-and-run), failure to take necessary actions after an accident under the Road Traffic Act, and aiding and abetting a criminal fleeing.’, ‘On May 9, Kim Ho-jung allegedly collided with a taxi while driving under the influence in the early hours of the morning in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The taxi driver, A, reportedly received a diagnosis of a fracture that required two weeks of recovery. After the accident, Kim Ho-jung fled the scene and later disguised false surrender to an employee of Th!nk Entertainment.’, ‘Instead of immediately dealing with the accident, Kim Ho-jung moved to a hotel near Guri, Gyeonggi Province, and surrendered to the police 17 hours later, around 4:30 p.m. the following day. Meanwhile, his manager, Mr. Jang, had falsely confessed to driving when he first visited the police station.’, ‘However, after the police’s inquiries about the car owner, Kim Ho-jung belatedly admitted his driving. Initially, he denied drunk driving, but reversed his position and apologized ten days after the accident, saying, “I am truly sorry for causing pain and disappointment to many people due to a momentary misjudgment.” ‘,