Jeong Dong-won's '500 Million Won Blackmailer' Revealed to Be a Close Friend from Seoul

Shockwaves are rippling through the entertainment industry as it has been revealed that the individual who blackmailed singer Jeong Dong-won using footage of his unlicensed driving was actually a close friend from Seoul.

On the 12th, YouTuber Lee Jin-ho disclosed the full story behind the blackmail incident on his YouTube channel. Lee Jin-ho questioned the use of private photos as leverage by the blackmailers and explained that the incident stemmed from Jeong Dong-won's brief driving of his father's truck in his hometown of Hadong in January of last year.

It is understood that a friend of Jeong Dong-won filmed this footage. Later, while Jeong Dong-won was living in Seoul, this friend visited his home, strengthening their bond. According to Lee Jin-ho, this acquaintance secretly took Jeong Dong-won's personal mobile phone from his house. Jeong Dong-won, who had already switched to a new phone, was unaware of this. Subsequently, the blackmailers allegedly used the unlicensed driving video found on the old phone to demand 500 million won from Jeong Dong-won.

Previously, Jeong Dong-won's agency, Showplay Entertainment, stated that the video was filmed during driving practice and that the blackmailers demanded over 200 million won in exchange for silence. Jeong Dong-won's side refused to yield to the threats and reported the incident to the police. It is reported that the involved parties have been arrested and are currently on trial.

Jeong Dong-won's agency expressed deep regret and remorse for the unlicensed driving, vowing to do their best to ensure he grows into a more mature and responsible artist following this incident, and offered an apology.

Born in 2007, Jeong Dong-won first gained recognition after participating in the TV Chosun program 'Mr. Trot' in 2019. Despite his young age at the time, he garnered significant popularity for his exceptional vocal talent and stage presence.

Following 'Mr. Trot,' he actively appeared in various variety shows, showcasing his versatility not just as a trot singer but as an all-around entertainer.

He has recently expanded his career into acting, marking him as a young artist with a promising future.