Teen Trot Star Jung Dong-won Faces Backlash Over Underage, Unlicensed Driving

South Korean teen trot singer Jung Dong-won is once again under fire following revelations that he drove a car without a license while still a minor. The news has amplified public disappointment, especially given a previous traffic violation involving a motorcycle.

Reports surfaced on the 11th that Jung, who was 16 years old in 2023, was sent to prosecutors for unlicensed driving of a truck in Hadong, Gyeongsangnam-do. At the time, he was below the legal age to obtain a driver's license, making the incident particularly concerning. A video of him driving was reportedly found on his phone, and it has also come to light that he paid 100 million won to individuals who threatened to expose his private life, including the unlicensed driving footage.

Jung's agency, Showplay Entertainment, has acknowledged the incident and issued an apology. They explained that Jung practiced driving for about 10 minutes on a rural road near his home with a passenger filming. The agency stated, "He deeply regrets and is reflecting on his mistake of driving without a license." They also revealed that an acquaintance and their associates accessed Jung's phone without permission and blackmailed him with footage of his unlicensed driving, leading Jung to report them to the police. The perpetrators are reportedly now in custody and on trial.

Despite the agency's promise to provide better guidance and education for Jung to mature into a responsible individual, fans expressed significant disappointment. This isn't the first time Jung has faced scrutiny for traffic violations; he was previously criticized in March 2023 for riding a motorcycle on a highway designated only for cars.

While Jung was also a victim of blackmail, the public consensus is that he must take full responsibility for his actions, including the unlicensed driving. The repeated violations raise questions about his judgment and adherence to the law, overshadowing his musical talents.

Born in 2007, Jung Dong-won first gained attention as a trot prodigy after winning both the Grand Prize and Popularity Award at the 1st Chupungnyeong Song Festival in 2018. He rose to national fame through the TV Chosun program 'Mr. Trot,' accumulating a dedicated fanbase known as 'Dongwon Bam.' His music career has been marked by a rapid ascent in the trot genre.