Sayart.net - Trot Singer Kim Ho-joong Faces Criticism Over Alleged Hit-and-Run and Cover-Up

Police Investigation Continues as Agency Admits Attempt to Conceal Incident

Courtesy of Think Entertainment

Kim Ho-joong, a popular 33-year-old trot singer, is facing public criticism following allegations of a hit-and-run accident and an attempted cover-up involving his agency, Think Entertainment.

According to a statement issued by the agency on Thursday, the incident occurred on May 9 at approximately 11:40 p.m. in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul. Kim is accused of violating the Road Traffic Act by fleeing the scene after colliding with a taxi. The CEO of Think Entertainment, Lee Kwang-deuk, admitted to instructing Kim's manager to handle the situation and take Kim's clothes to the police.
 

▲ Trot singer Kim Ho-joong / Courtesy of Think Entertainment

The manager, identified only as "A," allegedly went to the police wearing Kim's clothes and claimed responsibility for the accident. The CEO explained that Kim had experienced a severe panic attack and made the decision to move the vehicle and not address the accident directly. The CEO also mentioned that another manager had removed the memory card from Kim's car's black box.

Upon appearing at the police station, Kim initially denied driving the car but later confessed under questioning. There are also suspicions of drunk driving, as police revealed that Kim had visited a bar in Gangnam-gu before the accident. However, the CEO insisted that Kim did not drink alcohol that night, as he had an upcoming concert in Goyang City. Kim also denied the drunk driving allegation.

Despite the incident, Kim proceeded with concerts on May 11 and 12, leading to public criticism for not taking time for self-reflection. The CEO stated that all individuals involved are cooperating with the investigation and that the agency will manage the aftermath responsibly.

The Gangnam Police Station has launched an investigation and applied for a search warrant on May 14 after discovering the missing memory card from Kim's car black box. The police are continuing their investigation into the incident.

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