Kim Ho-joong to Be Released on Parole on the 30th, with His "Model Prison Conduct" Recognized [Full Text]

[Sportschosun Baek Ji-eun] Singer Kim Ho-joong will soon be a free man.

Kim recently passed the Ministry of Justice's parole review and will be released on the 30th.

In May 2024, Kim was arrested on charges of driving under the influence in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, crashing into a taxi, fleeing the scene, and pressuring someone to falsely surrender as if an employee of his agency had been driving.

Both the first- and second-instance courts sentenced Kim to two years and six months in prison. His scheduled release date was Nov. 24, 2026. He was later held at the Seoul Detention Center before being transferred to Somang Prison in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, in August last year.

Correctional facilities may place inmates who have served one-third of their sentence on the parole review list. The review committee decides whether to grant parole after considering the inmate's crime, prison conduct, rehabilitation record, and likelihood of reoffending. Kim was found ineligible in last year's parole review, but he was reportedly reviewed again this time after being recognized for his model prison conduct. During the parole period, however, he will remain under probation supervision, and any change in residence or overseas travel will require approval from the authorities.

Baek Ji-eun silk781220@sportschosun.com