Singer Kim Ho-joong to be released May 30, vows to sing again

Trot singer Kim Ho-joong is scheduled for early release from prison on May 30, having served approximately 11 months of his two-year sentence for a hit-and-run incident. His impending return to society comes as a letter he penned two months prior reveals his determination to resume his singing career.

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I will stand up again somehow. I will sing. I will not give up.

In the letter, dated April 1 and shared on his fan cafe, Kim addressed his fans, "Aris," expressing remorse for his actions. "The time of my sin is nearing two years. I will engrave my mistakes in my bones," he wrote. Despite his conviction, he vowed, "I will stand up again somehow. I will sing. I will not give up."

Kim was originally slated for release in November but was granted early release after passing a parole review on May 19. He was convicted of drunk driving, causing an accident, and fleeing the scene in May 2024. He was also accused of attempting to cover up his crime, including allegedly instructing his agency staff to make a false report.

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The time of my sin is nearing two years. I will engrave my mistakes in my bones.

His legal troubles stemmed from an incident where he crashed his car into a taxi while intoxicated and then fled. He later surrendered to police 17 hours after the accident, undergoing an alcohol test that yielded a negative result, sparking controversy over alleged "delay tactics." Kim served his sentence at the Somang 교도소, a private correctional facility.

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I have so much to apologize to Aris. It is all my fault. Through this letter, I sincerely ask for forgiveness.