Trot singer Kim Ho-joong will hold a concert on Saturday despite being investigated for an alleged drunk hit-and-run earlier this month.

Kim is set to perform this weekend at the Changwon Gymnasium on Saturday and Sunday as part of his tour titled "Tvarotti Classic Arena Tour." The tour began on April 20. Three weeks after beginning tour, Kim allegedly committed a hit-and-run while driving under the influence on May 9, around 11:40 p.m. in Gangnam District, southern Seoul.

Kim initially denied being the driver, then admitted to driving the car, but denied having driven under the influence. About two hours after the accident, Kim's manager turned himself in as the driver. Then, 17 hours after the accident, Kim turned himself in as the driver to the police at 4:30 p.m. the next day, but still argued that he was not drunk when he was driving.

KBS reported Wednesday that there was a recorded file of Kim asking his manager to go to the police instead, after explaining to him that he hit a car after drunk driving. Police raided the singer's agency, Think Entertainment, as well as Kim's house on Thursday.

Kim plans to push ahead with the remainder of his scheduled performances. He has two concerts, "World Union Orchestra Super Classic: Kim Ho-joong and Prima-donna" at southern Seoul's KSPO Dome on May 23 and 24, separate from his own tour that is set to continue on June 1 and 2 in Gimcheon Gymnasium in North Gyeongsang.


KBS, the host of the world orchestra concert, has demanded the concert organizer, Dumir (translation), to either replace Kim or have the host's name be taken out from the concert promotion. "If there is no official response from Dumir by 9 a.m. on Monday, measures such as prohibiting the use of the host name will be taken according to the contract between both parties," KBS said.

Kim's fans have been divided over his actions. While some still remain loyal despite the accusation, some have taken to his social media to demand his resignation from the music industry.

"Who cares about your songs, never come out on TV again," read a comment on his Instagram account. "Hit-and-run and DUI? The answer is clear as day, I don't want to see you again," read another.

Supportive comments were more visible on streaming services including Melon.

"We will overcome this together," read one comment, as well as "Once in a lifetime talent, I'm streaming your music even more."

The comment section on his official YouTube channel has been shut down as of Friday.

"Everyone involved in the case is sincerely cooperating with the investigation, and the agency will do its best to take care of this happening afterward. Everything we have told you so far is identical to the police investigation. Once again, we sincerely apologize," the agency said.

BY KIM MIN-YOUNG [kim.minyoung5@joongang.co.kr]