Trot singer Kim Ho-jung (34), who was handed over to trial on charges of drunk driving, is reported to have given up on appealing. On the 15th, Kim’s side announced on the fan cafe, “After deep contemplation for a long time, Kim Ho-jung has made the final decision to give up on the appeal today.”
Earlier, in the appellate trial held on April 24th, Mr. Kim was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison, the same as the original trial, for violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (dangerous driving) and other charges.
The appellate court stated, “The amount of alcohol consumed by the defendant on the day of the incident appears to be significant,” and “It is not simply a matter of causing an accident by operating a mobile phone, but it is judged that the defendant caused the accident due to significantly impaired judgment and decision-making abilities from alcohol consumption. The nature of the crime, including the accident and fleeing, is serious, and the circumstances after the crime are not favorable.”
Furthermore, Kim explained, “I met Ms. Jeon, whom I had planned to have as a substitute, and was with her when I called the manager. I changed clothes with Ms. Jang, met her, and left the scene. I also left a fake phone call with Ms. Jang. The nature of the crime, including the accident and fleeing, is serious, and the circumstances after the crime are not favorable.”
Kim Ho-jung was arrested last May in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, after drinking and driving, colliding with a taxi on the opposite side, and fleeing, on charges of having the manager take the blame instead.