On the 13th, Judge Choi Min-hye of the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 26 sentenced Kim Ho-jung, who was charged with violating the Act on Aggravated Punishment of Certain Crimes (Dangerous Driving causing injury), to two years and six months in prison.
The CEO of the agency, Mr. Lee, and the former head of the company, who were taken to trial together on charges of ordering the manager, Mr. Jang, to surrender on his behalf to cover up the accident, were sentenced to 2 years in prison and 1 year and 6 months in prison, respectively, while the manager, Mr. Jang, was sentenced to 1 year in prison. I received it.
The court said, “Kim Ho-joong was drunk driving and hit the taxi the victim was driving, causing human and material damage, but he ran away irresponsibly.” He added, “Furthermore, he conspired with CEO Lee and the former head of the division to make the manager falsely surrender, thereby committing the initial crime.” “It caused confusion in the investigation and wasted a lot of police investigative power,” he criticized.
The court said, “In light of his overall attitude, it is questionable whether he felt any guilt about the mistakes he committed as an adult,” and added, “Even though he was seen staggering under the influence of alcohol on closed-circuit TV, he denied it and made unconvincing excuses after committing the crime.” “The circumstances are also bad,” he emphasized.
However, the court explained the reason for the sentencing, saying, “We took into account the fact that he belatedly acknowledged the crime and responsibility, and the fact that Kim Ho-jung paid and agreed to pay 60 million won to the victim.”
Throughout the sentencing that day, Ho-jung Kim was looking down with his hands folded and his face bowed. He never paid attention to the audience where many fans were gathered. When the court sentenced him to 2 years and 6 months in prison, Kim Ho-joong bowed his head and let out a small sigh.
Kim Ho-jung is suspected of running away after colliding with a taxi while driving while drunk on Apgujeong Road in Gangnam-gu, Seoul at approximately 11:44 PM on May 9th. The taxi driver was diagnosed with predisposition 2 weeks ago.
After running away, Kim Ho-jung attempted to hide his crimes several times, including urging an employee of his agency to falsely confess and not providing the passwords to the police who confiscated his three cell phones.
At the sentencing hearing held last September, the prosecution sought 3 years and 6 months in prison for Kim Ho-jung. In his final statement, Kim Ho-jung said, “I will try and devote myself to living a life that does not repeat the same mistakes, rather than a life of doing things ten times better. I will come to my senses and live an upright life. I am truly sorry.”
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What legal consequences can celebrities face for drunk driving and attempting to cover up their actions?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Legal Expert on Kim Ho-jung Case
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the most pressing legal issues of the day. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Min-ji Lee, a legal expert specializing in criminal law. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Lee.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s jump right into the case of Kim Ho-jung, the Trot singer recently sentenced for serious charges related to drunk driving. The court has issued a two-and-a-half-year prison term. What are your thoughts on the severity of that sentence?
Dr. Lee: The sentence seems appropriate given the circumstances of the crime. Kim Ho-jung not only engaged in reckless behavior by driving under the influence, but he also fled the scene and conspired to mislead investigators. This shows a blatant disregard for the law and led to significant repercussions.
Editor: Indeed, it raises important questions about accountability. The court highlighted his attempt to cover up the accident by influencing others to take the fall for him. How does this complicate the legal situation for all parties involved?
Dr. Lee: Covering up a crime can often lead to more severe penalties. The fact that both the CEO of his agency and a manager were implicated indicates a broader environment of misconduct. Their involvement suggests a systematic effort to evade responsibility, which courts typically view unfavorably. This could serve as a precedent for similar cases in the entertainment industry.
Editor: It sounds like this case could have broader implications beyond just the individuals involved. What message does it send about celebrity culture and responsibility?
Dr. Lee: This case serves as a critical reminder that celebrity status does not exempt anyone from the law. It emphasizes that public figures have a responsibility not only to their fans but also to society. Engaging in criminal behavior, particularly actions that endanger others, cannot be tolerated.
Editor: The court also mentioned concerns regarding Kim’s perceived lack of remorse. How might this impact future legal proceedings or public perception?
Dr. Lee: A lack of remorse can definitely affect both sentencing and public perception. Courts often consider the defendant’s attitude in determining whether they may pose a future risk. If a public figure demonstrates little to no acceptance of their wrongdoing, it can alienate fans and lead to a loss of public trust. Additionally, this attitude could influence any appeals or subsequent legal actions.
Editor: You mentioned public trust. How do these kinds of cases affect the fanbase, especially in a culture where idols are held in high regard?
Dr. Lee: Fans may feel betrayed when their idols engage in such behavior. This can lead to a significant backlash, both in terms of public support and financial consequences for the celebrity, such as loss of endorsements or opportunities. Ultimately, the idol’s actions can taint the image of the entire industry, leading to calls for better regulation and accountability.
Editor: As we wrap up, what advice would you give to industry leaders and celebrities in light of this case?
Dr. Lee: Transparency and accountability are key. Celebrities should be encouraged to take their roles seriously and understand the influence they wield. Agencies and management should enforce strict ethical standards and foster an environment where individuals feel encouraged to act responsibly. The community as a whole must engage in dialogues about the sober reality of fame and the responsibilities that accompany it.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for sharing your insights today. It’s crucial for us to explore these issues in depth, especially as they resonate with broader societal norms.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this significant issue. I hope it sparks further conversations in the industry and among fans.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for joining us on Time.news. We’ll continue to follow this case and its implications in the coming weeks. Stay informed and engaged.