KBS has officially stated its position regarding a petition from the fandom surrounding singer Kim Ho-joong, who is serving time for charges of drunk driving and hit-and-run.

Previously, Kim Ho-joong's fan club "People Who Love Kim Ho-joong" posted a 'Appeal from Singer Kim Ho-joong' on KBS's viewer petition board on the 14th of last month.

The fan club stated, "We deeply apologize on behalf of Kim Ho-joong for causing great public unrest in society," adding, "However, we learned the truth through the appeals process and wanted to convey this." They claimed that Kim Ho-joong has faced a harsh public trial due to false articles and speculation from the press, and pleaded, "We need someone who will listen to the truth."

The fan club also emphasized Kim Ho-joong's good deeds and remorse through their petition. They said, "Submitting 134 letters of remorse, his sponsorship activities with UNICEF, and adhering to a schedule despite chronic ankle issues show Kim Ho-joong's sincerity," and raised their voices, stating, "The sensational reports from the media that distort the truth must stop."

The petition garnered a total of 1,092 signatures by the deadline of the 13th, and in response, KBS released an official answer.

KBS stated, "We understand the deep affection and concerns of the fans for Kim Ho-joong. We have also fully received the worries and hopes regarding the trial process and media reports so far."

KBS continued, "We have a duty to report accurately and balanced based on objective facts, without bias towards specific individuals or perspectives," explaining, "There have been first and second trial proceedings regarding Kim Ho-joong, and recently, due to his decision to forgo the Supreme Court appeal, the appeals process has been finalized."

KBS also added, "We respect judicial procedures and decisions," stating, "As a public broadcaster, we will avoid sensational expressions or speculative reports and will report with a balanced perspective."

Meanwhile, Kim Ho-joong was indicted for charges including driving under the influence and hitting a taxi after crossing the center line in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, while intoxicated in May of last year. Initially, he denied being drunk, but admitted to the allegations 10 days after the accident. However, as his blood alcohol concentration was not measured immediately after the accident, the charge of drunk driving was excluded at the indictment stage.

The court stated regarding Kim Ho-joong's condition at the time of the accident, "It was not mere manipulation of a mobile phone but a significant quantity of alcohol that impaired his judgment and cognitive ability," sentencing him to 2 years and 6 months in prison. Kim Ho-joong's side appealed the decision, but the sentence was upheld in the second trial, and with the recent decision to forgo the appeal to the Supreme Court, the sentence has been finalized as is. He is expected to be released in November of next year if he serves his full sentence.

[Photo] OSEN DB

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