Singer Kim Ho-joong (33), who was indicted on charges of drunk driving and causing a traffic accident and fleeing the scene, was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison in the first trial.

On the 13th, the 26th Criminal Division of the Seoul Criminal District Court (Judge Choi Min-hye) sentenced Kim Ho-joong, who was indicted on charges of dangerous driving resulting in death in violation of the Special Act on Special Cases, fleeing and causing death in violation of the Special Act on Special Cases, failing to take action after an accident in violation of the Road Traffic Act, and aiding and abetting the escape of a criminal, to 2 years and 6 months in prison. In addition, Mr. Lee, who aided and abetted the escape of a criminal and the destruction of evidence in this drunk driving hit-and-run case, was sentenced to 2 years in prison, Mr. Jeon to 1 year and 6 months, and Mr. Jang to 1 year in prison and 2 years of probation.

Kim Ho-joong is accused of driving drunk on a road in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul at around 11:40 PM on May 9, crossing the center line and crashing into a taxi on the other side of the road, then fleeing the scene and having his manager, Jang, turn himself in on his behalf. Three hours after the accident, Jang went to the police wearing Kim Ho-joong‘s clothes and falsely turned himself in, saying that he was the driver. 17 hours after the accident, Kim Ho-joong appeared at the police station and avoided the drunk driving charge by deliberately drinking more alcohol, also known as ‘drinking’. However, Kim Ho-joong eventually admitted to the crime ten days after the accident.

Meanwhile, the prosecution demanded a sentence of 3 years and 6 months in prison at the final hearing held on September 30. Kim Ho-joong said in his final statement, “I regret the choice I made that day and I am reflecting on it.”Lee Seul-bi, Donga.com reporter misty82@donga.com