Veteran idol Shinhwa's Hyesung could face a sentence of about two years in prison in the appeal. 

On March 15th, an appeal of Hyesung's case was held in the 3rd Criminal Division of the Seoul Eastern District Court approximately 11 months after his first trial.  

Previously, Hyesung (legal name Jeong Pil Kyo) had been charged with violating the Road Traffic Act, including possession and use of a stolen vehicle, and the refusal of a breathalyzer test upon apprehension by police. In the first trial held on April 20th, 2023, Hyesung received a suspended prison sentence of 6 months and was placed on probation for 1 year. 

The prosecution immediately appealed against the "lenient" sentence handed down to Hyesung. During the appeal, the prosecution sought two years in prison while the defense lawyer asked to dismiss the appeal. Hyesung stood up and said, "I am filled with remorse and am genuinely reflecting upon myself. I promise this will not ever happen again." 

Meanwhile, Hyesung was apprehended by the police in October 2022 after he was found sleeping in a vehicle parked in the middle of a road. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle had been reported stolen by its rightful owner, and Hyesung was found to be in possession of it. It was also discovered that Hyesung had been drinking at a restaurant in Nonhyeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and had a designated driver take him to Sungnam. However, he later drove to Songpa-gu, where he was eventually found by the police.

Although the police had considered charging Hyesung with theft, they ultimately decided not to do so as there was no evidence that he had intended to steal the vehicle. This is not the first time that the Shinhwa member has had a run-in with the law. Back in 2007, he was charged with driving under the influence.

Hyesung's sentence will be finalized following the appeal on April 12th.