[Sportschosun Reporter Lee Ji-hyun] Singer Kim Ho-joong is set to be released on parole at the end of this month, but he is expected to focus on recovering his health rather than returning to the entertainment industry right away.
Kim recently passed the Ministry of Justice's parole review and is scheduled to be released on the 30th. It will be his return to society about two years and one month after he was detained in May 2024.
Kim was indicted last year on charges including driving under the influence in the Apgujeong-dong area of Gangnam-gu, Seoul, crashing into a taxi, and leaving the scene. Both the first and second trials sentenced him to two years and six months in prison, and his original release date was set for November this year.
Attention is naturally turning to whether he will resume activities in the future. For now, however, recovery is expected to take priority over a return to the stage.
In a recent interview with the media, his agency said, "At this point, it is difficult to discuss any activity plans," adding, "Both ankles were already in poor condition before the incident, and surgery is needed."
It explained, "There was a congenital abnormality in his ankle, and he had not received proper treatment for a long time," and added, "After his release, he plans to focus first on treatment and rehabilitation."
Kim himself previously revealed the ankle pain he had endured for years on My Little Old Boy, which aired in 2024. At the time, he said, "I injured my ankle badly while playing sports in elementary school and wore a cast for about a month," and added, "After the ligaments were stretched, the pain remained like a chronic condition." He also complained, "When I wear dress shoes and stand for a long time during performances, the swelling does not go down easily, no matter how much I ice it."
The detailed examination results were more serious than expected. After checking Kim's ankle condition, medical staff diagnosed it as requiring surgery, saying, "It is hard to see this as the ankle of a 32-year-old."
In particular, both ankles had developed extra bone due to repeated injuries, and doctors explained that this could cause the joints to collide, producing a "rattling" or "grinding" sound while walking.
Medical staff warned, "When you sprain your ankle frequently, bone growth can cause collisions," adding, "If left untreated, joint damage can worsen and even affect normal walking."
Accordingly, Kim is likely to review treatment and surgery schedules soon after his release. Since he will also need a long rehabilitation period after surgery, it may take considerable time before he returns to the stage that fans are waiting for.
Meanwhile, Kim will remain under probation during his parole period and must obtain permission from the relevant authorities for major changes in his personal circumstances, including a change of residence or travel abroad.
olzllovely@sportschosun.com
