Singer Jeong Dong-won Faces Scrutiny Over Underage, Unlicensed Driving

Singer Jeong Dong-won is under investigation by prosecutors for unlicensed driving during his minor years, a fact that has recently come to light and is causing significant controversy. His agency, Showplay Entertainment, released an official statement on the 11th, expressing their deep apologies for causing concern with this unfortunate incident.

The agency revealed that Jeong Dong-won, at the age of 16 in 2023, drove a vehicle without a license in his hometown of Hadong. They stated that a video filmed by an acquaintance at the time was illegally leaked, which was then used for blackmail.

It was reported that earlier this year, Jeong Dong-won had his phone stolen by an acquaintance who demanded over 200 million KRW, threatening to release the unlicensed driving footage. He refused the demands and immediately reported the incident to the police, leading to the arrest and ongoing trial of the blackmailers.

Showplay Entertainment assured that Jeong Dong-won deeply regrets his mistake of driving out of curiosity and has no intention of evading responsibility. They vowed to strengthen their management and education to help him grow into a mature and responsible member of society.

Amidst the controversy, Jeong Dong-won recently launched a new YouTube content series titled 'Just a Man,' expressing his desire to try everything he wants in this life. He had previously shown his resolve to join the Marine Corps, inspired by singer Oh Jong-hyuk, sparking speculation that this could be a move towards a period of reflection and atonement.

Public reaction is divided. Some netizens are offering support, acknowledging his youthful mistake while commending his honesty, stating he can recover after his military service. Others, however, are criticizing his actions, emphasizing the need for greater caution from celebrities with public influence.

Born in 2007, Jeong Dong-won gained fame as a 'trot prodigy' after appearing on TV Chosun's 'Mister Trot' in 2019. He has since been active in music and various entertainment programs. This recent incident is expected to significantly impact his public image.