Prosecutors seek three and a half years in prison for Kim Ho-joong

Singer Kim Ho-joong has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison.

Prosecutors asked for six years and six months in prison during Kim Ho-joong's sentencing hearing at the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 26 (Judge Choi Min-hye) on Tuesday morning. Agency head Lee and general manager Jeon, who were brought to trial along with Kim, were each asked to serve three years in prison. Manager Jang was sentenced to one year in prison.

"The defendants were grossly negligent for causing the accident by crossing the center line while intoxicated," the prosecutor said, adding, "The defendants systematically committed acts of obstruction of justice and caused public outrage."

Kim Ho-joong said he was "deeply remorseful about the charges," but also appealed for leniency, saying, "After being imprisoned for more than four months, I wrote and submitted a letter of apology, and if given the opportunity in the future, I will try my best to remember the marginalized places and live a life that repays love."

In his final statement, Kim Ho-joong said, "I will strive to live a life that does not repeat the same mistakes rather than a life of doing well ten times."

Meanwhile, Kim Ho-joong's sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 13 at 10 a.m.