Yeoju: Popera singer Kim Ho-joong was released on parole Tuesday after serving more than two years in prison for a hit-and-run incident in 2024. Kim had been involved in a collision with a taxi while driving under the influence on May 9, 2024. After the accident, he fled the scene and later instructed his manager to take the blame.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the authorities charged Kim with causing injury by driving dangerously and fleeing the scene, as they found it challenging to measure his blood alcohol level retrospectively. Despite the severity of the incident, the legal proceedings focused on the tangible evidence available at the time.

As Kim exited the prison in Yeoju, located approximately 60 kilometers southeast of Seoul, he was greeted by a group of dedicated fans. These supporters, who lined the road, held signs expressing their unwavering affection and support for the singer, with messages such as "We love you" and "We have waited for you. Let's be happy now."

Originally sentenced to a 2 1/2-year prison term, Kim was expected to be released in November. However, his agency announced last week that he had successfully passed a parole review conducted by the justice ministry, allowing for his early release.