After being sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison for his DUI hit-and-run case, trot singer Kim Ho Joong has decided not to appeal to the Supreme Court, accepting the final ruling. His fan café announced this decision on May 15, after careful consideration.

Kim Ho Joong faced charges for dangerous driving resulting in injury, fleeing the scene, failing to comply with the Road Traffic Act after an accident, and aiding in the concealment of a criminal. Despite initially submitting an appeal notice, he later opted to withdraw it following discussions with legal experts and a major law firm.

Speculation arose about financial troubles when a public defender was assigned to his case shortly after it was filed with the Supreme Court. However, his team clarified that he had a private lawyer and the decision to forego the appeal was his own.

The incident occurred on May 9, 2023, when Kim Ho Joong hit a taxi in Seoul, fled the scene, and turned himself in to the police 17 hours later. Initially denying driving under the influence, he later confessed after evidence emerged. In his final trial, he expressed remorse and a commitment to change his ways after reflecting on his actions while in detention.