Trot Singer Jung Dong-won Under Investigation for Unlicensed Driving, Blackmail Case Revealed

Trot sensation Jung Dong-won is currently facing scrutiny from prosecutors over allegations of unlicensed driving during his minor years. The controversy has escalated with the revelation that he was blackmailed for 100 million KRW after a privacy threat.

According to MBN reports on the 11th, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office is investigating Jung for violating the Road Traffic Act by driving without a license. The alleged incident occurred in 2023 in Hadong, Gyeongsangnam-do, when Jung was 16 years old and reportedly drove a truck without a valid license.

The circumstances leading to the discovery of his unlicensed driving appear to be linked to a lost mobile phone. In March, three individuals who had obtained his phone allegedly threatened to expose his private life unless he paid 500 million KRW. Jung reportedly handed over 100 million KRW to retrieve his device.

Following a complaint filed by Jung's agency, the blackmailers were apprehended by the police, and Jung was investigated as a victim. It was during this investigation that past driving footage was discovered on his phone. The Gangnam Police Station concluded that the unlicensed driving charges were substantiated and forwarded the case to the prosecution in June. Jung's legal representative stated it was a one-time act driven by curiosity.

Separately, Jung Dong-won received a suspended sentence (probationary disposition) last March for riding a motorcycle on a road where two-wheeled vehicles were prohibited.

Jung Dong-won gained national attention after appearing on TV Chosun's 'Mister Trot' in 2019, captivating audiences with his powerful vocals and mature trot sensibility at a young age. Affectionately nicknamed 'TBAROTTO', he has garnered a significant and dedicated fanbase. Beyond his music career, he actively participates in various entertainment shows and concerts.