Singer Kim Ho-jung, who was sentenced to prison in the first trial for fleeing after a drunk driving accident, will have his appeal hearing next month.
According to Star News on the 13th, the 5th-3rd Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court will hold the appeal hearing for Kim Ho-jung, who was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison for violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (causing injury while driving dangerously) on February 12.
Previously, Kim Ho-jung immediately appealed the first trial ruling. Additionally, Lee Kwang-deok, the former CEO of Think Entertainment, who was indicted for aiding the escape of a criminal, and former department head Jeon Mo, were each sentenced to 2 years and 1 year and 6 months in prison, while manager Jang Mo, who received a 1-year sentence, also submitted an appeal. The prosecution also appealed.
According to reports, the three defendants, including Kim Ho-jung, formed a new legal team ahead of the appeal hearing. Lawyer Joo Young-hwan, a former chief prosecutor of Daegu District Prosecutors' Office, and the law firm Dongin will represent them.
Earlier, Kim Ho-jung was accused of fleeing after hitting a taxi while driving in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, in May. He allegedly made his manager falsely confess to the police. At that time, Kim Ho-jung's manager turned himself in on his behalf, and the representative of the agency, Lee Mo, and former department head Jeon Mo were also indicted for attempting to destroy evidence related to the accident.
Kim Ho-jung is also suspected of using a method called ‘drunk driving’ to intentionally drink more alcohol to avoid punishment for drunk driving, as he reported to the police 17 hours after the accident.
During the sentencing hearing in September, Kim Ho-jung appealed for leniency, stating, “I will strive to live a life that does not repeat the same mistakes rather than a life that does well ten times.” The court sentenced Kim Ho-jung to prison and also sentenced former CEO Lee and former department head Jeon to 2 years and 1 year and 6 months, respectively.
Kim Ho-jung has reached an agreement with the taxi driver, who was the victim of the accident, and it is reported that the taxi driver also submitted a letter of support. Kim Ho-jung has submitted three letters of reflection ahead of the verdict, repeatedly appealing for leniency.
Meanwhile, Kim Ho-jung will remain in custody until February while preparing for the appeal hearing.
