25.10.03.Today News : Song Young-gil Shares Prison Letter from Kim Ho-joong: “Walking the Path of Repentance”

Song Young-gil Shares Prison Letter from Kim Ho-joong: “Walking the Path of Repentance”

📍A bond formed in Seoul Detention Center, a letter reveals Kim’s remorse and determination for a new start

Singer Kim Ho-joong, currently serving a prison sentence for a drunk driving hit-and-run, recently sent a handwritten letter to Song Young-gil, leader of the Pine Tree Party. The two developed a bond while being held in the same unit at the Seoul Detention Center, and Song shared Kim’s heartfelt words of reflection and resolve with the public.

A handwritten letter sent by singer Kim Ho-joong, currently serving time for a hit-and-run accident while drunk driving, to Song Young-gil has recently been made public.

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■ A Connection Born in Prison
On September 3, Song Young-gil posted three photos of Kim’s handwritten letter on his Facebook page, writing, “As the Chuseok holiday begins, I share news from singer Kim Ho-joong.” Song explained that he and Kim had shared the same unit while detained in Seoul Detention Center. “A few days ago, my wife and I visited Kim after his transfer to Yeoju Somang Correctional Institution,” he said.

■ Song’s View of Kim’s Transformation
Song stated, “Although he is paying for his past mistakes and facing harsh criticism, I felt that he is sincerely walking the path of repentance and reflection. The letter he later sent to me revealed his true feelings.” He added, “I wanted to embrace that fragile sincerity instead of ignoring it.”

■ Contents of Kim’s Letter
In his letter, Kim wrote, “Everything is my fault. I spend each day in reflection.” He continued, “I will not repeat the same mistake in the same place. I have found courage in knowing why I must one day stand on stage again.”

Kim also reflected, “Heaven tests those destined to become great by giving them hunger and suffering, to see if they can endure.” He added, “Through this, I have realized why I exist.” Furthermore, he recommended Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana Overture as a comforting piece of music for people traveling home during Chuseok.

■ Public Skepticism
Despite the emotional letter, public sentiment remains critical. Many point out that crimes such as drunk driving hit-and-run and driver substitution cannot be easily forgiven, and that a letter of remorse does not erase the social harm caused.

■ Current Situation
Kim was sentenced to two years and six months in prison last May for drunk driving, crossing the centerline and colliding with another vehicle, fleeing the scene, and attempting to substitute the driver. He is currently serving his sentence at Somang Correctional Institution in Yeoju and is expected to be released in November next year.

Song Young-gil, meanwhile, was sentenced to two years in prison in January for illegal political fund charges but was released on bail in June and is awaiting an appellate trial.

One-line summary : Song Young-gil shared a handwritten letter from singer Kim Ho-joong expressing repentance and determination, but public opinion remains skeptical.