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| ▲ Popera singer Kim Ho-joong leaves the police station after facing police questioning at the Seoul Gangnam Police Station in Seoul on May 21, 2024. (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, May 22 (Yonhap) -- As the police have requested an arrest warrant for singer Kim Ho-joong on charges of a hit-and-run while driving under the influence, his upcoming concert schedule is likely to be severely impacted.
Depending on the schedule of the pre-arrest questioning (warrant review), some of Kim's concerts may be completely unfeasible for him to attend. If the court issues the arrest warrant, all subsequent performances will inevitably be canceled.
Kim Ho-joong is slated to perform at the KSPO Dome in Seoul on May 23-24 for the 'World Union Orchestra Super Classic: Kim Ho-joong & Prima Donna' (hereafter referred to as 'Super Classic'). Additionally, he has concerts scheduled for June 1-2 at the Gimcheon Indoor Gymnasium for the 'Trot Baritone Classic Arena Tour 2024 - Gimcheon.'
On the 22nd, Kim Ho-joong's representatives expressed their intention to proceed with the concerts as planned, emphasizing their commitment to fulfill their promises to fans and minimize the production company's losses. However, the warrant review could take place as early as the 24th, which would directly affect his ability to perform.
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| ▲ A police official elaborates on the methods of attending a police questioning after popera singer Kim Ho-joong appeared before police through an underground parking lot on May 21, 2024. (Yonhap) |
Under current criminal procedure law, if an arrest warrant is requested for a detained suspect, the warrant review must be completed by the next day. For suspects like Kim Ho-joong who have not been detained, the court schedules the review separately, typically two days after the warrant request. Reviews are generally conducted with the suspect present.
If the review is scheduled for the 24th, Kim Ho-joong would be unable to attend the 'Super Classic' concert on that day. Even if the warrant request is quickly dismissed, it would be physically impossible for him to make the 8 PM concert.
If Kim Ho-joong cannot perform, the 'Super Classic' concert, featuring members of the world's top four orchestras, is likely to be canceled. The production company, DooMIR, has indicated they would cancel the concert if Kim is unable to perform, as they have no substitute and the majority of ticket purchasers are Kim Ho-joong's fans.
Although the court could consider Kim's concert schedule and delay the review until after the 27th, this would still require legal preparations, possibly leading Kim to voluntarily withdraw from the 'Super Classic.' It's reported that while a significant penalty would be incurred for such a withdrawal, failure to properly prepare for the legal proceedings could result in the warrant being issued.
Public sentiment is also overwhelmingly negative. Forcing the concert despite the arrest warrant request could further damage Kim's reputation and potentially bar him from future entertainment activities. Numerous petitions have been posted on the KBS viewer petition board demanding Kim's permanent removal from TV appearances.
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| ▲ On the afternoon of the 18th, fans are seen lined up near the Changwon Sports Park Indoor Gymnasium in Seongsan-gu, Changwon, Gyeongnam, where singer Kim Ho-joong (33) is holding his national tour concert, 'Tvarotti Classic Arena Tour 2024'. (Yonhap) |
One petition titled 'Permanently Ban Singer Kim Ho-joong' stated, "We earnestly request KBS to permanently ban criminal singer Kim Ho-joong, who repeatedly engages in DUI, hit-and-run, driver substitution, and lying."
Moreover, fellow performers are reluctant to collaborate with a suspect facing arrest, with KBS Symphony Orchestra members already canceling their participation in 'Super Classic.' Despite DooMIR scrambling to find replacements, the rushed schedule has hindered proper preparations.
Some musicians also fear that associating with Kim Ho-joong could tarnish their careers, given his pending legal issues.
Despite Kim Ho-joong's and his team's determination to proceed, the concert's continuation faces significant resistance from the production company, audience, and collaborators, including Kim Ho-joong himself.
The final decision on Kim Ho-joong's warrant review schedule is expected to be made later today.
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| ▲ Popera singer Kim Ho-joong speaks after facing police questioning at the Seoul Gangnam Police Station in Seoul on May 21, 2024. (Yonhap) |
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