All traces of singer Kim Ho Joong have been removed from the three major terrestrial networks due to his involvement in a hit-and-run incident. Following KBS and MBC, SBS has also deleted Kim Ho Joong’s segments from their variety show 'My Ugly Duckling.'

According to Star News on the 12th, episodes 378 and 383 of 'My Ugly Duckling,' featuring Kim Ho Joong, have been edited and are available on the OTT platform Wavve and the SBS website in a modified format. SBS, which holds the legal rights to the content, decided to remove his appearances due to the social controversy he caused.

SBS has also halted the replays of Kim Ho Joong’s past appearances on 'My Ugly Duckling' from episodes 193 to 195, 200, and 202. The VOD service provided on the SBS website has also been discontinued. This move is seen as a response to public sentiment following Kim Ho Joong's hit-and-run and his attempts to conceal the crime.

Kim Ho Joong appeared as a special MC on 'My Ugly Duckling' on June 7, 2020, and later shared his daily life on the show, drawing viewers' attention. He returned to the studio as a special MC on January 28, four years later, and reappeared on March 3, showing his hospital visit for a bad ankle.

Previously, KBS and MBC also halted the replays of variety shows featuring Kim Ho Joong. 

Episodes 165 to 167, 248, and 251 to 253 of KBS 2TV’s 'Boss in the Mirror,' episodes 218 and 224 of KBS 2TV’s 'Stars' Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant,' KBS 2TV’s 'Seol Special Jinsung Big Show BOK Korea,' episodes 246 of MBC’s 'Where Is My Home,' and episodes 108 to 109 of MBC’s 'If We Don’t Fight We’re Lucky' have all been removed. This means that all traces of Kim Ho Joong have been erased from the three major networks.

Additionally, KBS held a broadcasting appearance regulation review committee on the 29th of last month and decided to impose a temporary ban on Kim Ho Joong. KBS stated, "Although the court has not yet reached a verdict, Kim Ho Joong has caused serious social controversy due to repeated lies about his hit-and-run incident, and several viewers have petitioned for his ban from appearing on broadcasts."

On the night of the 9th of last month, Kim Ho Joong was arrested for crashing into an oncoming taxi while intoxicated and fleeing the scene in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Initially, police applied charges under the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes Act (fleeing the scene and causing injury, dangerous driving causing injury), the Road Traffic Act (failing to take measures after an accident), and aiding and abetting escape. Later, they added a charge of drunk driving.

During the investigation, a phone call recording revealed that Kim Ho Joong had asked his manager to surrender in his place, changing the charge from aiding and abetting escape to instigating escape.

Lee Gwang Deuk, CEO of Think Entertainment, and director Jeon, who were also arrested, faced charges of instigating escape, destroying evidence, violating the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving), and aiding and abetting. They were sent to the prosecution on the 31st of last month. The prosecution extended their detention period until the 19th, citing the need for further investigation.

SEE ALSO: Kim Ho Joong's agency Think Entertainment responds to allegations of illegal stock acquisition | allkpop