Singer Kim Ho-joong to be released 5 months early after drunk-driving hit-and-run conviction

Singer Kim Ho-joong, whose drunk-driving hit-and-run and alleged cover-up sent shockwaves through the Korean music industry, will be released from prison on June 30. The early release comes five months ahead of his originally scheduled November release date.

Kim's agency said Tuesday that he had passed a parole review by the Ministry of Justice and would be released at the end of this month.

Kim had been deemed ineligible during a special pardon review last Christmas but secured early release through this latest review.

In May 2024, Kim drove drunk on Apgujeong-ro in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, crossed the center line, struck a taxi and fled the scene. He then orchestrated a systematic cover-up, including having his manager turn himself in to police on his behalf.

Kim had vehemently denied drinking and even pressed ahead with a concert before admitting to the offense about 10 days after the accident. He had been held at Seoul Detention Center before being transferred in August last year to Somang Prison in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province — the country's only privately operated correctional facility — where he has remained since.