Popular Trot Singer Under Investigation For Unlicensed Driving, Agency Admits And Explains He Was Being Blackmailed For It
Popular trot Singer Jeong Dongwon’s side has spoken out regarding the unlicensed driving and private life leak controversy.
On the 11th of September, The Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office confirmed that Jeong Dongwon is being investigated on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act. He is accused of driving a vehicle without a license in Hadong, South Gyeongsang Province, in 2023, when he was 16 years old.
Later, Jeong Dongwon’s agency, Showplay Entertainment, released an official statement admitting he drove without a license and explained he was being blackmailed in the process. They wrote, “First of all, we bow our heads in apology for the unfortunate incident involving our artist Jeong Dongwon.”
They explained, “Last year, Mr. A, who had been an acquaintance, took Jeong Dongwon’s phone from his house. Mr. A and acquaintances then illegally accessed Jeong Dongwon’s private photo album. Afterwards, Mr. A and others continuously blackmailed him, saying, ‘There is a video of Jeong Dongwon driving without a license.’ Jeong Dongwon did practice driving for about 10 minutes near a mountain road close to his hometown house in Hadong, and a passenger filmed the scene.”
They continued, “The extortionists claimed the video was evidence of Jeong Dongwon’s unlicensed driving and demanded more than 200 million won (approx. $145,000) in exchange for keeping quiet. However, Jeong Dongwon did not give in and refused to pay. Instead, he immediately repented for his wrongdoing and, prepared to accept legal punishment, reported the extortionists to the police. The extortionists are currently under arrest and on trial. Jeong Dongwon deeply regrets and reflects on his mistake of practicing driving without a license.”
They added, “We will take this incident as an opportunity to ensure that our artist grows into a more mature and responsible member of society by doing our best in management and education. We will also provide strict guidance to prevent such unfortunate incidents from occurring again. Finally, we sincerely apologize once again to the fans and the public who love Jeong Dongwon.”
Source: (A)
