Jeong Dong-won's Fandom Responds to Unlicensed Driving Controversy with Mature Support

Following the controversy surrounding singer Jeong Dong-won's unlicensed driving, his fandom has garnered attention for taking a responsible stance, offering support that goes beyond mere defense.

The Jeong Dong-won fandom officially released a statement on the 11th, acknowledging the incident as an undeniable mistake and reaffirming the importance of basic societal rules. They did not deny that Jeong Dong-won drove without a license during his minor years. Instead, they emphasized a principled approach, stating, "We love his music more than anyone, but blind support does not exempt him from legal responsibility."

Furthermore, the fandom expressed hope that Jeong Dong-won would not repeat his mistake and proposed concrete steps for accountability, such as completing traffic safety education and participating in related campaigns. The fans themselves also pledged to adhere to traffic safety rules in their daily lives, demonstrating a shared sense of responsibility.

The fandom also voiced concerns about the spread of speculative remarks and malicious comments surrounding the incident, warning that distortion and slander could lead to secondary damage. This suggests a caution against the potential for further harm caused by an overheated online public opinion, separate from Jeong Dong-won's personal wrongdoing.

Earlier, news broke that Jeong Dong-won, then 16 years old in 2023, had been sent to prosecutors for unlicensed driving in Hadong, Gyeongnam, causing shock. His agency, Showplay Entertainment, confirmed the driving practice, which lasted about 10 minutes on a mountain road, but also revealed that extortionists had demanded a large sum of money using the video. The agency stated that Jeong Dong-won immediately reported the threats to the police, and the perpetrators are currently detained and on trial.

The agency reiterated their apology, stating that Jeong Dong-won deeply regrets and reflects on his actions and that they will do their best to manage and educate him to grow into a more mature member of society.

Netizens' reactions were divided. Some praised the fandom's responsible attitude as rare and commendable, while others maintained a critical perspective, emphasizing that driving is a serious offense regardless of age.

Ultimately, this controversy transcends Jeong Dong-won's individual mistake, serving as a case study on how a fandom can support and guide an artist. The fandom concluded their statement by expressing hope for regaining trust, wishing Jeong Dong-won time for reflection and a return to sincerity through his music.

The fandom's choice to "correct mistakes while supporting growth" marks a departure from typical blind advocacy, highlighting a commendable display of mature fan culture.

Jeong Dong-won, born in 2007, debuted as a trot prodigy and quickly gained immense popularity. He showcases his versatile talents not only as a singer but also through various entertainment programs and acting roles. He is expected to mature further and connect with the public in new ways.