Fans of trot singer Kim Ho Joong, amidst his arrest for a 'drunken hit and run', have ignited controversy by pleading for leniency, citing their collective donation of nearly 10 billion won over the past four years. However, scrutiny arises as reports indicate that Kim Ho Joong's albums account for 7.5 billion won of this sum, constituting three-quarters of the total donations.

Details revealed by Kim Ho Joong and his fan club show that from April 2020 to December 21 of the previous year, his fan club contributed approximately 9.7 billion won. Among this, 7.5 billion won was from the donation of 528,430 copies of Kim Ho Joong's second full-length album, 'Panorama,' priced at about 14,190 won per copy. While the albums were purportedly sent to 685 locations, specific recipients were not disclosed.

Cash donations included 225 million won to UNICEF for Turkiye earthquake relief and 351 million won to Hope Bridge to aid flood victims. Critics argue that the fandom may have inflated the donation figures, especially since many recipients may not prioritize receiving albums. Typically, non-fans wouldn't consider albums as essential items for the underprivileged, suggesting an effort to bolster the singer's album sales while presenting significant philanthropy.

On May 26 KST, a Kim Ho Joong fan posted a message on the KBS viewer petition board, defending the singer against broadcast expulsion. The petitioner attributed the substantial donations to Kim Ho Joong's positive influence, urging public tolerance despite his legal infractions. They argued for extenuating circumstances and emphasized the societal impact of the donations, which have surpassed 10 billion won over the past four years.

The petition has garnered over 1,500 signatures as of the morning of June 4 KST.

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