Trot singer Kim Ho-joong will spend his upcoming birthday in detention, following a court decision to extend his detention period until mid-October.
The Seoul Central District Court, under Judge Choi Min-hye, decided on August 12 to renew the detention period for Kim, his agency's CEO Lee Kwang-duk, and another executive. Under the Criminal Procedure Act, the court can initially detain a suspect for up to two months, with the possibility of two renewals, each lasting two months.
Kim was detained on June 18, meaning he will remain in custody during his birthday on October 2, with his maximum detention period extending until December.
Kim Ho-joong was involved in a hit-and-run accident on May 9, where he collided with a taxi in Seoul and fled the scene. Three hours later, his manager, impersonating Kim, falsely turned himself in to the police. Kim later admitted to driving 17 hours after the incident. Although the authorities considered charges of drunk driving, these were not pursued due to the alleged organized efforts to obstruct the investigation.
Kim faces charges including causing injury by dangerous driving, hit-and-run, failure to take measures after the accident, and instructing others to cover up the crime. His agency's CEO and another executive have also been charged with aiding his escape and tampering with evidence. The first trial was held last month, with the second trial scheduled for August 19.
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