Singer Kim Ho-jung, who was sentenced to prison in the first trial for hit-and-run charges, has had his detention period extended while appealing the decision.
According to the legal community on the 9th, the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 26 (Judge Choi Min-hye) decided to renew Kim Ho-jung's detention period, who was indicted for violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes.
As a result, Kim Ho-jung will remain in detention until February next year while facing the appeal trial. He will also welcome the New Year in detention.
In addition, Lee Kwang-deuk, the representative of Kim Ho-jung's agency, and Jeon Mo, the head of the agency, who were indicted for aiding a criminal's escape, also had their detention periods extended by two months.
Previously, the court sentenced Kim Ho-jung to 2 years and 6 months in prison. The prosecution had sought a sentence of 3 years and 6 months. Both Kim Ho-jung's side and the prosecution have appealed the decision.
Meanwhile, Kim Ho-jung's side appointed an additional lawyer ahead of the appeal trial, but that lawyer suddenly resigned five days after being appointed, drawing attention.
Kim Ho-jung is 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 made a proxy confession, and the agency's representative, Lee, and head, Jeon, were indicted for attempting to destroy evidence of the accident.
Kim Ho-jung is also suspected of using a method called "drunk driving" to avoid punishment for drunk driving, as he appeared at the police station 17 hours after the accident and allegedly drank more alcohol on purpose.
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 everything well ten times. I will get my act together and live properly." The court sentenced Kim Ho-jung to prison and also sentenced former representative Lee and former head Jeon to 2 years and 1 year and 6 months in prison, 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 appeal. Kim Ho-jung has submitted three letters of reflection ahead of the verdict, repeatedly appealing for leniency.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
