According to a Korean news report, trot singer Kim Ho-joong (33) is expected to face significant backlash following the release of a video showing him in a physical altercation with a security company employee.

On the 22nd, the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Institute' uploaded a video titled 'Iron Pipe Gangster Kim Ho-joong'.

The video shows Kim Ho-joong in a physical confrontation with an employee of a security company hired by the building owner at the headquarters of his agency, Think Entertainment, located in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, in July 2021. It is reported that Kim Ho-joong's side was in a dispute with the building owner over occupancy rights at the time.

In the video, Kim Ho-joong is heard saying to the security employee, "F***", "Do you know why you can't hit me? Because you have no money." Despite attempts by people around him, including his fellow singer Young-ki, to stop him, Kim Ho-joong continued the fight.

The altercation, which started inside the building, continued outside. When the security employee said, "Don't act up just because you're drunk," Kim Ho-joong replied, "You can't even act up. If you have money, hit me," showing his agitation.

The incident was reported to the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul, but the investigation was closed as both parties submitted non-punishment agreements. Assault charges can only be prosecuted if the victim expresses a desire for punishment.

In a related incident, Kim Ho-joong was arrested on the 18th for violating the Special Act on Traffic Accidents (dangerous driving causing injury, hit-and-run), violating the Road Traffic Act (failure to take post-accident measures), and aiding and abetting a criminal. He is accused of hitting a taxi on the opposite side of the road in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, around 11:40 PM on the 9th of last month and fleeing the scene.

Kim Ho-joong's side had consistently denied drunk driving since the accident. However, after the National Forensic Service concluded that he had been drinking before the accident, he admitted to drinking. Additionally, it was revealed that his manager, Mr. Jang, falsely confessed to being the driver, and the agency's executive, Mr. Jeon, destroyed the black box memory card from the vehicle, raising suspicions of an organized cover-up by the agency.