“This sin will never be erased for a lifetime. I will use it as a catalyst to live a different life than before.”
“Everything is my fault and my mistake. I will sincerely reflect on it.”
Singer Kim Ho-jung, who is serving time for a drunk driving hit-and-run accident, pleaded for leniency.
On the morning of the 19th, the 5-3 division of the Seoul Central District Court held the second hearing of the appeal trial for Kim Ho-jung and three others, who were indicted for violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (dangerous driving causing injury) and other charges.
Kim Ho-jung, who appeared in court wearing prison clothes, limped and was clean-shaven. Throughout his lawyer's argument, Kim Ho-jung kept his head down, appearing to reflect on his actions. Notably, even when instructed to sit if standing was uncomfortable, Kim Ho-jung stood up to deliver his final statement.
In his final statement, Kim Ho-jung read a letter of reflection he had prepared in advance. He said, “I apologize for causing public concern. I am also sorry to the victim. I regret wasting public resources due to my incident. Spending the last four seasons here, I have looked closely at my mistakes. I have tried to take time for reflection,” and added, “I know this sin will never be erased for a lifetime. I will live a different life from now on, using this incident as a catalyst,” bowing his head.
He continued, “Everything is my fault, my mistake. I will sincerely reflect on it,” expressing his plea for leniency.
The former representative of his agency, who was with Kim Ho-jung, also reflected, saying, “I still dream about that day. I cannot understand why I made such a judgment at that time. I will strive to live with correct thinking in the future.” His manager, Mr. Jeon, also stated, “I was foolish. I will live reflecting on the severity of the law,” pleading for leniency.
On this day, Kim Ho-jung's lawyer focused on denying the drunk driving charges. The lawyer stated that Kim Ho-jung had poor ankle condition since childhood and presented past video appearances of Kim Ho-jung and YouTube videos of doctors diagnosing his condition as evidence.
The lawyer also explained the CCTV footage of Kim Ho-jung with the madam of the bar he was at on the day of the incident, saying, “The gestures of the madam next to Kim Ho-jung were not to support him because he was drunk, but merely expressions of friendliness.” He argued that “it is unreasonable to conclude that Kim Ho-jung would have difficulty driving normally.”
Additionally, Kim Ho-jung's side claimed that the allegation of having his manager, Mr. Jang, falsely confess after drunk driving was merely aiding. The lawyer stated, “Kim Ho-jung and the other defendants are either relatives or have been together for a long time. Kim Ho-jung only acted according to the decisions of his managers.”
Regarding the suspicion of the “drunk driving method,” he emphasized, “Kim Ho-jung knew that his manager would appear for police questioning. There was no need to drink in advance to prepare for the police appearance,” reiterating this point from the previous hearing.
In his final statement, the lawyer said, “Kim Ho-jung acknowledges all his mistakes and feels responsible and reflective. However, this incident was not an accident caused by Kim Ho-jung's drunk driving, but rather an incident that occurred due to operating a mobile phone while driving. Of course, he recognizes that this is also wrong and is reflecting on it,” adding, “He usually does not drink heavily to manage his condition, which has been proven in forensic examinations and police investigations.”
In response, the prosecution stated without further argument, “The contents presented by the defendant's side have already been revealed during the investigation process,” and requested the court to dismiss the appeal and uphold the original sentence. The prosecution sought a prison term of 3 years and 6 months, the same as in the first trial. The court, concluding the appeal hearing, scheduled the verdict for April 25.
Kim Ho-jung is accused of hitting a taxi while driving in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, in May last year and fleeing the scene, having his manager falsely confess. At that time, Kim Ho-jung's manager made a proxy confession, and the agency's representative, Mr. Lee, and former head of the department, Mr. Jeon, were also indicted for attempting to destroy evidence of the accident.
Kim Ho-jung is also suspected of employing a “drunk driving method” by intentionally drinking more alcohol to avoid punishment for drunk driving, showing up to the police 17 hours after the accident.
Kim Ho-jung was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison in the first trial last November. In response, Kim Ho-jung's side appealed. It is reported that Kim Ho-jung filled out 100 letters of reflection before the second hearing, pleading for leniency from the court.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
