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| Singer Kim Ho-jung |
, ‘The representative and managers of Singer Kim Ho-jung’s agency, who claimed that they tried to directly settle the hit-and-run accident caused the situation, were found to have been intoxicated at the time of the incident.’, ‘According to Star News on the 16th, Kim Ho-jung’s agency, Thought Entertainment’s CEO Lee Kwang-deok and Managers A and B recently stated while being investigated regarding Kim Ho-jung’s traffic accident at Seoul Gangnam Police Station.’, ‘According to the police, they are suspected of being involved in an organized attempt to switch drivers during Kim Ho-jung’s hit-and-run accident. In particular, Lee Kwang-deok, who claimed to have coerced Manager A into falsely confessing, was found to have been intoxicated at the time of the accident. ‘,
, “Lee Kwang-deok was confirmed to have been drinking at a nightlife establishment in Gangnam, Seoul, the night the accident occurred on the 9th. The fact that he made reckless decisions while under the influence of alcohol and then appealed for ‘mercy’ suggests room for consideration. It was also revealed that Managers A and B, after drinking separately at different venues, rushed to the scene to try to settle the accident. ‘, ‘According to the police, Kim Ho-jung is accused of fleeing after causing a collision with a taxi on a road in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul around 11:40 pm on the 9th.’, ‘Manager A went to the police station and falsely admitted to causing the accident, but when the police confirmed that the vehicle was owned by Kim Ho-jung, they questioned the truth and Kim Ho-jung later admitted to being the driver. Kim Ho-jung’s blood alcohol level was tested 17 hours after the accident occurred, around 4:30 p.m. on the 10th.’, ‘The police are investigating the possibility that Kim Ho-jung was not only involved in driver switching but also drunk driving. The police also confirmed that Kim Ho-jung visited a nightlife establishment in Gangnam before the accident. ‘, ‘Regarding Manager A, who changed clothes with Kim Ho-jung and falsely confessed, the police are considering applying the charge of aiding a fugitive. Furthermore, the police applied for a search warrant as the black box memory card found inside Kim Ho-jung’s vehicle was missing. It was reported that the memory card was removed by Manager B, who arrived at the scene first. ‘, ‘In an official statement on the 16th, Lee Kwang-deok explained the details of the incident, stating, “Kim Ho-jung absolutely did not drink as he was preparing for a concert in Goyang.” He went on to clarify, “Later on, Kim Ho-jung returned home first, and while driving his personal vehicle for personal reasons after returning home, he got into an accident due to poor driving skills. While experiencing severe panic at the time of the accident, he made a wrong judgment.” ‘, ‘He further added, “After the accident, a manager called and learned about the accident, and at that time, I already realized that Kim Ho-jung did not handle the accident due to severe panic after the accident and moved the vehicle while making a wrong judgment. After finding out that Kim Ho-jung was the one involved in the accident later on, I was too afraid that there would be too much controversy.” ‘, ‘He continued, “Another manager who arrived at the scene first removed the memory card based on his judgment, and I asked the manager who is known to have falsely confessed to take off Kim Ho-jung’s clothes and dress up instead to handle the situation on behalf of him. All of this happened because I, as Kim Ho-jung’s representative and older relative, tried to protect Kim Ho-jung excessively.” ‘, ‘Lastly, he stated, “All parties involved are cooperating sincerely with the investigation, and the agency will do its best for post-accident management.” He emphasized, “The information I have provided so far is in line with the police investigation. Once again, I humbly apologize.” ‘,