‘Hit-and-Run Under the Influence’ Kim Ho-joong, Possible ‘Christmas Special Pardon’... Eligible for Parole Review

[Financial News] Singer Kim Ho-joong (34), currently serving time for a hit-and-run while driving under the influence, has been revealed to be eligible for review for the ‘Christmas Special Pardon’ parole.
According to legal sources on the 5th, Kim Ho-joong has been included as a candidate for the Christmas Special Pardon parole review by the Parole Board under the Ministry of Justice.
After receiving a final sentence of two years and six months in prison last May, Kim Ho-joong has been serving his sentence at Hope Penitentiary. Based on relevant laws, he automatically became eligible for parole review if certain conditions—such as age, motive, type of crime, and risk of recidivism—are met.
Under criminal law, those sentenced to a determinate prison term may be paroled after serving one-third of their sentence. However, given the serious nature of Kim Ho-joong’s offense—hit-and-run while driving under the influence—experts believe his chances of being granted parole are slim.
Inmates deemed eligible for parole by the Parole Board ahead of the Christmas Special Pardon are expected to be released on December 24, the day before Christmas.
On May 9 last year, at around 11:44 p.m., Kim Ho-joong drove under the influence on Apgujeong-ro in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, crossed the center line, collided with a taxi on the opposite side, and fled the scene. He then had his manager, Mr. Jang, turn himself in on his behalf. Kim Ho-joong was indicted and detained on charges including causing injury by dangerous driving under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes. Although he initially denied driving under the influence, he admitted to the crime ten days after the accident.
bng@fnnews.com Kim Hee-sun Reporter