[Seoul=Newsis] Reporter Jeong Byeong-hyeok: Trot singer Kim Ho-jung, who is under suspicion of hit-and-run while intoxicated, appeared for his detention warrant hearing (pre-trial detention interrogation) held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 24th. (Joint coverage) 2024.05.24. photo@newsis.com
A former baseball player turned broadcaster, Kang Byung-kyu, discussed singer Kim Ho-jung’s behavior at a drinking party. A video titled “Heard You Went Down the Drain After Drinking?” was uploaded on the ‘Channel Fixed’ YouTube channel’s ‘Non Non Non’ segment on the 3rd. Shin Jung-hwan, Kang Byung-kyu, exorcist Im Deok-young, and trot singer Jang Hye-ri appeared in the video.
During a conversation about alcohol, Kang Byung-kyu recounted a traumatic memory involving a woman: “After drinking, she suddenly began speaking in English. Then in the early morning, she unexpectedly took off her clothes on the street and ran around. She didn’t remember any of it,” he said.
Kang Byung-kyu continued, “That day, Ho-jung kept getting calls. People like them are regarded as top clients to those establishments and a means to showcase one’s level to customers. They are treated to free drinks and lavish hospitality,” he recalled. “I had explicitly warned him a few minutes earlier, yet he said, ‘I know what I’m doing, let’s go,’ which gave me chills.”
Kang Byung-kyu commented on the incident, suggesting that people’s continuous praise might have contributed to Kim Ho-jung’s inability to resist temptation, leading to the incident.
Shin Jung-hwan offered insight into the situation surrounding Kim Ho-jung’s drunk driving, noting that despite warnings, “that day he called for a substitute driver to get home. He could have called for another driver or taken a taxi from there, but decided otherwise.”
Kim Ho-jung was charged and brought to trial for a hit-and-run involving a taxi on the opposite side of the road in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, at around 11:40 PM on May 9 last year. After fleeing the scene, his manager, Mr. Jang, falsely confessed to being the driver, resulting in suspicion of “driver swapping.” Kim Ho-jung turned himself in to the police 17 hours later.
Although Kim Ho-jung initially denied drinking, he admitted to it about ten days after the accident when CCTV footage and other evidence emerged. The court issued arrest warrants for both Kim Ho-jung and the former representative, citing concerns over potential evidence destruction. Consequently, they are being tried under arrest.
On the day of the hit-and-run, Kim Ho-jung was reportedly at a membership-only establishment, known as “Ten Pro,” where female reception staff are employed.