“Kim Ho-jung continues with his performance” despite ongoing investigation on drunk driving… Strong determination amid heavy criticism.

[Sports Chosun Kim Joon-seok Reporter] “Will do our best to protect the artist”

Singer Kim Ho-jung is under police investigation for hit-and-run, but his agency is facing criticism for planning to proceed with scheduled performances.

On the 14th, Kim Ho-jung’s agency, Starthink Entertainment, apologized to the fans of Kim Ho-jung’s fan club ‘Trebaroti,’ saying, “I deeply apologize to the fans who were surprised by today’s sudden article,” and “We sincerely apologize for the lack of post-accident handling on the evening of the 9th when a taxi and traffic accident occurred, and we deeply regret and feel the great responsibility.”

The agency added, “We will proceed with the scheduled Trebaroti Classic Arena Tour 2024 in Changwon/Kimcheon and the World Union Orchestra Super Classic as planned,” and “We will do our best to protect the artist, and promise to protect the artist under any circumstances.”

According to the Seoul Gangnam Police Station on the 14th, Kim Ho-jung received a police attendance request and underwent a breathalyzer test on the day after the accident, 10th, at 4:30 p.m.

Kim Ho-jung is accused of colliding with a taxi on the opposite lane after crossing the centerline on a road in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, at 11:40 p.m. on the 9th.

At the time of the accident, CCTV footage allegedly showed Kim Ho-jung’s car swerving significantly, with one wheel even briefly suspended in the air, but he fled without stopping. The police have booked Kim Ho-jung on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act (failure to take measures after an accident) since the 11th and are investigating.

The police stated, “Two hours after the accident on the morning of the 10th, a male manager in his 30s, identified as Mr. A, visited the police station and confessed to driving,” and “However, after confirming that the vehicle was registered under Kim Ho-jung’s name, Kim Ho-jung was called to the police station the next day, and after initially denying driving, he admitted to driving under police questioning.”

This background involves suspicions of a driver switch. The police have booked Kim Ho-jung on suspicion of hit-and-run among other charges and are also investigating the possibility of drunk driving. However, it was reported that the black box in Kim Ho-jung’s car was missing a memory card, so there is no recorded footage available.

Starthink Entertainment, Kim Ho-jung’s agency, explained the situation at the time of the traffic accident, stating,

“On the evening of the 9th, a taxi and a traffic accident occurred. Upon the occurrence of the accident, Kim Ho-jung parked the car in an alley, communicated with the manager, and during that time, the taxi driver reported to the police.” They further explained that the manager, upon learning of the situation, went to the police station to confess that he was the one driving.

They continued, “Upon learning the truth, Kim Ho-jung personally visited the police station for questioning and a breathalyzer test. The test results came out negative for alcohol, and we are awaiting the results of the accident investigation.”

In response to the situation, netizens have expressed disappointment towards Kim Ho-jung, questioning the significance of undergoing a breathalyzer test at the police station several hours later and raising suspicions. However, there are also messages of support such as “Still supporting you,” “The truth will come out,” and “It’s fortunate that he turned himself in late.”

The police plan to conduct further investigations into Kim Ho-jung regarding drunk driving and other matters.

[email protected]