Kim Ho-joong to Proceed with Concerts Despite DUI Hit-and-Run Charges, Announces Hiatus

연합뉴스 / 2024-05-22 18:01:19

▲ Popera singer Kim Ho-joong bows to the press after facing police questioning at the Seoul Gangnam Police Station in Seoul on May 21, 2024. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, May 22 (Yonhap) -- Singer Kim Ho-joong, who is facing arrest on charges of a DUI hit-and-run, will proceed with his scheduled concerts at the KSPO Dome in Seoul Olympic Park on May 23 and 24.

His agency, Think Entertainment, announced on the 22nd that these concerts, titled "World Union Orchestra Super Classic: Kim Ho-joong & Primadonna," will be his last performances before he suspends all activities to take time for self-reflection.

In their official statement, Think Entertainment stated, "Kim Ho-joong will take a hiatus following the performances on May 23 and 24 to reflect on his actions. Both Kim Ho-joong and the agency will cooperate fully with the police investigation and will accept any consequences."

A representative from Kim's side explained in a phone call with Yonhap News, "We are proceeding with the concerts to honor our commitment to fans and to minimize the financial impact on the concert production team, despite the pending arrest warrant."

The decision to proceed with the concerts amid the legal controversy is expected to attract significant criticism. Think Entertainment also noted that while Kim has admitted to the DUI charge, the police investigation is still ongoing. They added, "As the police have requested confidentiality, we will not make any further statements until the investigation concludes."

Kim's concerts and the subsequent hiatus mark a significant moment as he addresses the legal and public fallout from the charges against him.

▲ A police official elaborates on the methods of attending a police questioning after popera singer Kim Ho-joong appeared before police through an underground parking lot on May 21