Singer Kim Ho-joong, who was jailed for a past drunk driving hit-and-run, has been granted parole.
According to Kim's side on the 23rd, he recently passed the Ministry of Justice's parole review and is scheduled to be released on June 30.
Kim was initially held at the Seoul Detention Center and, in August last year, was transferred to Yeoju Somang Correctional Institution in Gyeonggi Province. Under correctional rules, inmates who have served at least one-third of their term can be considered for parole, with the review weighing the offense, conduct behind bars, rehabilitation record, and risk of reoffending.
He was deemed ineligible during a year-end review last year. However, after being recognized for exemplary conduct, he was reconsidered and this time received approval.
Back in May 2024, Kim was indicted for crashing into an oncoming taxi in Seoul's Apgujeong while drunk and fleeing the scene. He also faced charges for coercing an agency employee to file a false confession as the driver.
Kim received a two-year-and-six-month prison sentence in both the first and second trials. His full release date had been November 24, 2026, but the parole decision moves that up by about five months, meaning he has served roughly 80% of his term.
Even after parole, Kim will remain under probationary supervision for a set period. Any changes to his residence or overseas travel will require government approval.
Meanwhile, his music metrics are also drawing attention. As of today, Kim has surpassed 5 billion cumulative streams on Melon, earning a spot in the platform's 'Gold Club' for artists with 5–10 billion total streams. He is reportedly the sixth artist ever to join.