Arrested for hit-and-run: Kim Ho-joong, the Korean Pavarotti

In the latest K-Entertainment scandal, South Korean opera and trot singer Kim Ho-joong has been arrested for his involvement in a hit-and-run, reports Allkpop. This includes allegations of drunk driving and attempts to deceive law enforcement, including his agency's attempts to protect him.

Kim Ho-joong is a South Korean opera and trot singer who is also known for her classical crossover performances. He is also known as "Tvarotti," which is a combination of the words 'trot' and 'Pavarotti'. Trot is a Korean music genre, and the latter refers to Italian opera singer Luciano Pavarotti.

Kim Ho-joong has performed with big names such as Spanish opera singer Plácido Domingo, and South Korean pianist Yiruma, reports Maeil Business News. Here he is pictured with Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.

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Kim Ho-joong was born on October 2, 1991, in Ulsan, South Korea. Donga reports that the singer had rough circumstances while he was young, including being involved in a gang, until he met his teacher, Seo Su-yong, who helped foster his interest in classical music.

Maeil Business News reports that Kim Ho-joong later decided to participate in the SBS reality TV competition show 'Star King', in 2009. His appearance caused quite the buzz, and he was coined the 'High School Pavarotti' with his audition.

After his appearance on 'The Star', Maeil Business News reports that Kim Ho-joong caught the attention of a German official, who aided him in his craft in Germany, where he worked for two years, before returning to Korea as an established singer.

Kim Ho-joong's rough upbringing and rise to stardom inspired a biographical film on his life titled ‘My Paparotti’. The film managed to win the Grand Prize in the 27th Fukuoka Asian Film Festival, reports the Korea Film Council.

Image: Showbox

Despite his popularity as a singer and his inspiring life story, Kim Ho-joong became embroiled in scandals as an established celebrity in Korea.

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According to the Korea Times, Kim Ho-joong had attempted to delay enlistment in the military and was also accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend.

Image: hojoongng / Instagram

In 2024, Allkpop reported that Kim Ho-joon was under investigation by police for a hit-and-run accident. He was shown on CCTV to have fled the scene after colliding with a taxi on May 9.

Image: hojoongng / Instagram

According to the same Allkpop report, in response to a police summons, an unknown 'Mr. A' from Kim Ho-joong's company initially appeared to claim that he was behind the wheel at the time of the incident.

Image: hojoongng / Instagram

However, Allkpop reports that after police interrogation, Kim Ho-joong admitted to being the actual driver during the accident.

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The Korea Times reports that Kim Ho-joong went on with his scheduled concerts as usual despite being under police investigation. He was accused not only of the hit-and-run but also of deceiving authorities. His actions have come under severe scrutiny by netizens.

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Allkpop has included another report that shows that netizens are even more outraged by the situation, as Kim Ho-joong's agency, Think Entertainment, has "vowed to protect their artist", despite the singer already violating several laws by obstructing police investigations into his crime.

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According to MBC, police are now filing a search and seizure warrant against Kim Ho-joong on suspicion that he tampered with his vehicle's black box, resulting in a missing memory card that could have captured the entire incident.

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MBC also reports that the police suspect Kim Ho-joong of driving under the influence at the time of the accident.

Allkpop's update on the hit-and-run investigation reveals that Kim Ho-joong's manager swallowed the memory card for the car's black box. Kim Ho-joong was also confirmed to have initially persuaded a junior employee at his agency to take the fall for him, and when that failed, his manager stepped in to falsely confess to the crime.

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Kim Ho-joong was finally arrested and handcuffed on May 24, and will face charges of "hit-and-run... dangerous driving" and "aiding the escape of a criminal," according to NoCut News. Those involved in forging and concealing evidence and obstructing the investigation, including his manager and the CEO of his agency, have also been arrested.

Image: hojoongng / Instagram