Kim Ho-joong, a trot singer accused of a hit-and-run while under the influence, answers questions from reporters as he leaves the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul, Tuesday, after being questioned by the police. Newsis

The police requested arrest warrants Wednesday for singer Kim Ho-joong, 33, and executives of his agency over allegations of drunk driving and a hit-and-run incident.

Kim is accused of being involved in a hit-and-run at around 11:40 p.m. on May 9 in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul. He allegedly collided with an oncoming vehicle on a two-lane road and fled the scene. He is also suspected of driving under the influence.

The police, continuing their investigation into the drunk driving allegations, pressed charges against Kim regarding fleeing the scene after causing injury and dangerous driving.

The agency's CEO is accused of orchestrating a driver swap to cover up the incident (aiding and abetting the criminal), while the head of operations is accused of removing the memory card from Kim's vehicle (evidence tampering).

Petitions for permanent ban on Kim emerge

Amid growing public outrage against Kim, petitions calling for his permanent ban from the music industry have surfaced.

Kim plans to proceed with his scheduled performances in Seoul on May 23-24.

As of Wednesday morning, over ten petitions demanding Kim's permanent removal from broadcasts were posted on the KBS viewer petition board.

KBS is required to respond to petitions that receive 1,000 signatures within 30 days. Two petitions regarding Kim Ho-joong's expulsion have already surpassed this threshold.

The initial petitioner, identified as A, said, "I am furious and trembling with anger at the shamelessness of Kim Ho-joong, who, despite committing a crime, is brazenly pushing forward with his Changwon performance without any sign of remorse, blinded by greed for money. If KBS continues to feature Kim Ho-joong, it will be stigmatized as an institution that supports and shelters criminals."

Another petitioner, B, wrote, "Kim Ho-joong sends a bad signal and induces helplessness among youths and young people. His bad character and the stress he causes the public is unacceptable. Please expel him promptly."

Trot singer Kim Ho-joong leaves Gangnam Police Station in Seoul after being questioned by the police, Tuesday. Newsis

Kim pushes forward with performances

Kim plans to proceed with his "World Union Orchestra Super Classic Kim Ho-joong & Primadonna" performances. Although his agency stated that he would not receive any appearance fees, they decided to go ahead with the performances to avoid cancellation penalties.

Kim appeared at the police station Tuesday afternoon for a private investigation. He refused to leave after the investigation, citing the presence of reporters, and only emerged around 10:40 p.m., six hours after the interrogation ended.

Reportedly, the police instructed Kim to exit through the main entrance, but he refused, leading to a prolonged standoff.

Despite his lawyer's persuasion, Kim insisted, "I find it difficult to appear in front of the press," and remained inside.

When he finally came out, he briefly apologized, saying, "What more can a sinner say? I'm sorry."

However, his contradictory behavior, such as smiling and patting reporters on the arm, drew further criticism. Earlier, Kim also faced a backlash for arriving at the police station in a black car through an underground parking lot to avoid the media.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea Times, was translated by generative AI and edited by staff of The Korea Times.