Singer Kim Ho Joong, who is currently serving a prison sentence on drunk driving hit and run charges, has lost a damages lawsuit he filed against 180 alleged anti fans.
On February 4 at 2 p.m., the Seoul Central District Court held a sentencing hearing for the civil lawsuit in which Kim Ho Joong sought compensation from 180 individuals, including a person surnamed Kang, over online posts.
Previously, Kim Ho Joong filed a lawsuit in 2021 seeking approximately 764 million KRW (approx. 590,000 USD) in damages from 180 people who had posted negative comments and writings about him on the internet.
Kim Ho Joong claimed that anti fans caused him serious harm by leaving malicious comments and posts related to controversies surrounding his military service. His side argued that although the actions were not habitual and were mostly one time incidents, their negative impact could not be considered negligible. However, the court did not accept these claims and ruled against him.
Meanwhile, Kim Ho Joong was indicted and detained on charges including dangerous driving causing injury under the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes Act. On May 9, 2024, at around 11:40 p.m., he allegedly drove under the influence on Apgujeong ro in Gangnam, Seoul, crossed the center line, collided with a taxi in the opposite lane, fled the scene, and had his manager turn himself in on his behalf.
Kim Ho Joong initially denied the drunk driving allegations but admitted to the charges ten days after the accident. He was later sentenced to two years and six months in prison. After being held at a Seoul detention center, he was transferred to Somang Correctional Institution, a private correctional facility, where he is currently serving his sentence.
Last December, he was included on the review list for a special Christmas parole but was deemed ineligible. His release is scheduled for November.
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