Kim Ho-jung to be released on parole on the 30th, five months earlier than expected

Kim Ho-jung to Return to Society 5 Months Early

Singer Kim Ho-jung (35), currently imprisoned on charges of drunk driving and hit-and-run, will return to society at 10:00 AM on the 30th. His agency announced on the 23rd that Kim recently passed the Ministry of Justice's parole review. While his original release date was scheduled for November 24, this decision allows him to be released approximately five months earlier than planned. Even after his release, Kim will remain under probation until his sentence officially expires on November 24.

Social Outrage Over the 'Sul-tagi' (Drinking to Obscure Alcohol Levels) Tactic

Kim Ho-jung was indicted and detained on charges of fleeing the scene after crossing the center line while intoxicated and colliding with a taxi near Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, around 11:40 PM on May 9, 2024. He caused significant controversy by using the so-called "Sul-tagi" tactic—instructing his manager to turn himself in on his behalf immediately after the accident and consuming more alcohol afterward to obstruct breathalyzer testing. Kim only cooperated with the police about 17 hours after the accident and admitted to the crime ten days after the incident. During the trial, he stated, "I am sorry. I will speak after this is over. I am sorry." He was ultimately sentenced to two years and six months in prison in both the first and second trials for charges including dangerous driving causing injury under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes.

Recognized as a Model Prisoner After Transfer to Somang Prison

After being held at the Seoul Detention Center, Kim was transferred to Somang Prison, a private prison located in Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do, in August last year. This parole was decided in consideration of his exemplary behavior during his imprisonment and the low risk of recidivism. He has been serving his sentence following investigation and trial procedures, including his appearance at the Seoul Central District Court for a pre-arrest interrogation on May 24, 2024.

Strengthened Legal Regulations via the Passage of the 'Kim Ho-jung Prevention Act'

Public reaction to Kim Ho-jung's parole is mixed. While fans offer support, criticisms are simultaneously being raised that the punishment for drunk driving is too lenient. In particular, the act of obstructing alcohol measurement revealed in Kim's case was pointed out as an instance of exploiting loopholes in the judicial system. Consequently, the National Assembly passed the so-called "Kim Ho-jung Prevention Act" (the "Sul-tagi Prevention Act"), which prohibits the act of consuming alcohol after a drunk driving accident to manipulate measurement results, thereby strengthening legal regulations against obstructing alcohol testing.