Kim Ho-joong Admits to DUI: 'I Deeply Regret'

연합뉴스 / 2024-05-20 09:35:08

▲ This undated file photo shows popera singer Kim Ho-joong. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, May 20 (Yonhap) -- Popera singer Kim Ho-joong (33), who has been under suspicion for drunk driving and hit-and-run, admitted to the DUI incident ten days after the accident.

Following a concert in Changwon on the 19th, Kim issued a statement through his agency, Think Entertainment, acknowledging his actions: "I drove under the influence of alcohol. I deeply regret and reflect on my mistake. I will cooperate fully with the police investigation."

Kim further expressed his remorse, stating, "I want to sincerely apologize for the hurt and disappointment my momentary lapse in judgment has caused so many people." He also posted an apology on his official fan cafe, acknowledging the pain he caused his fans and promising to return home once the investigation concludes.

Kim's agency, Think Entertainment, also issued an apology, admitting to their role in attempting to cover up the incident. "We sincerely apologize for the social controversy caused by our artist Kim Ho-joong and our poor judgment. From the initial official stance to now, we have been focused on concealing the situation. We deeply regret our lack of sincerity."

The agency confirmed that Kim would voluntarily appear before the police and fully acknowledge the facts of the DUI. "Our misguided belief that we should protect our artist led to an irrevocable mistake," they added.

The police stated, "We have been contacted by Kim's legal representative today, but the specific date for his appearance has not been finalized. The timing of his appearance may change depending on the investigation schedule."

Kim is accused of causing an accident on the night of the 9th at around 11:40 PM in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam, Seoul, where he collided with a taxi on the opposite road and fled the scene. Approximately three hours after the incident, his manager, a man in his 30s, falsely claimed to the police that he was the driver. Kim did not return home immediately but went to a hotel in Gyeonggi Province, eventually presenting himself to the police 17 hours later at 4:30 PM the next day, admitting to driving the car.

Initially denying the DUI, claiming he only had a drink at a bar without actually consuming alcohol, Kim faced increasing public criticism as evidence of his drinking surfaced. The police investigation revealed that on the day of the incident, Kim had been at a screen golf venue in Gangnam with his agency head and a famous rapper, where they consumed beer. The group continued to drink at a nearby restaurant and a karaoke bar before the accident occurred.

Kim drove back home from the bar, but after 400 meters, he got back into his car and drove, leading to the accident. The police have since secured CCTV footage from the bar and witness statements indicating that Kim had been drinking.

Despite the admission, there are concerns that the DUI charge may not hold due to the delay in measuring Kim's blood alcohol level, which occurred 17 hours after the incident. However, the police have been focused on gathering objective evidence to support the DUI charge.

The police are also considering applying for an arrest warrant for Kim and others involved, citing concerns over evidence tampering and potential flight risks.