Prosecutors have sought a three-year and six-month prison sentence for singer Kim Ho-joong (34) in his second trial, the same as in the first trial, for causing a traffic accident while under the influence and fleeing the scene. Kim Ho-joong appealed for leniency, stating his intention to lead a new life.
On the 19th, the 5-3 Criminal Division (Judges Kim Ji-sun, So Byung-jin, and Kim Yong-joong) of the Seoul Central District Court held the second appeal hearing for Kim Ho-joong, indicted for violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (Dangerous Driving Injury), among other charges. This hearing concluded the appeal.
Prosecutors maintained their request for a three-year and six-month sentence, the same as the initial trial. Previously, Kim was sentenced to two years and six months in prison in the first trial.
In his final statement, Kim Ho-joong testified, “While detained in the Seoul Detention Center, I introspected my actions and sincerely tried to reflect on my wrongdoings.” He acknowledged that his crimes would be a lifelong burden but expressed his intent to transform his life positively.
The sentencing is scheduled for April 25.
Kim Ho-joong was involved in a case last year on May 9, where he allegedly fled after causing an accident while driving under the influence in Apgujeong, Gangnam, Seoul. He has also been accused of attempting to cover up the crime by urging his manager to make a false confession.
In the first trial, the court sentenced him to two years and six months, criticizing him for his lack of responsibility and doubt about his remorse, after colliding with a taxi. Both parties appealed, and in the second trial, suspicions arose that he deliberately drank more alcohol after the incident to avoid a breathalyzer test, a method known as “sultagi” (drinking after an incident).
Kim’s defense argued that the investigation records, amounting to over 3,500 pages, contained only a few inquiries about the “sultagi” tactic and claimed that even investigative authorities didn’t seriously suspect it.
Prior to this hearing, Kim submitted over 100 letters appealing for leniency to the Seoul Central District Court last month.