25.09.11.Today News : Singer Jeong Dong-won Under Prosecutor’s Investigation for Driving Without License in High School

Singer Jeong Dong-won Under Prosecutor’s Investigation for Driving Without License in High School

📍Agency admits “10-minute practice driving,” says incident exposed through blackmail; Jeong expresses deep remorse

Jeong Dong-won, an 18-year-old trot singer, is under investigation for driving without a license during his high school years. The case surfaced after a blackmail attempt by an acquaintance, and his agency stated that he regrets the brief practice driving and is reflecting deeply.

Trot singer Jung Dong-won is under investigation by prosecutors after it was belatedly revealed that he drove a car without a license during his high school years.

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■ Unlicensed Driving Incident as a Teenager
The Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office confirmed on September 11 that Jeong is being investigated for violating the Road Traffic Act. He allegedly drove a vehicle without a license in Hadong, South Gyeongsang Province, in 2023, when he was only 16 years old and legally ineligible to obtain a driver’s license.

■ Agency’s Statement and Jeong’s Response
Jeong’s agency, Showplay Entertainment, acknowledged the incident, explaining that he “practiced driving for about 10 minutes near his family home in Hadong.” The agency emphasized that Jeong “deeply regrets his mistake and is sincerely reflecting on his actions.”

■ Blackmail Case Revealed the Offense
The unlicensed driving was discovered during a blackmail case involving one of Jeong’s acquaintances. According to the agency, the acquaintance accessed Jeong’s phone, obtained the video, and demanded more than 200 million won in exchange for silence. Jeong reported the extortion attempt to the police, leading to the suspects’ arrest and ongoing trial.

■ Investigation and Legal Context
Police discovered a video of Jeong driving a truck two years earlier while investigating the extortionists. The case was initially handled by the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office but was later transferred to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office. Under the Road Traffic Act, unlicensed driving is punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 3 million won.

■ Previous Traffic Violation
In March 2023, Jeong had also been caught riding a motorcycle on a restricted expressway in Seoul, an offense for which prosecutors granted a suspension of indictment, considering his age and lack of prior criminal record. The resurfacing of his past violation has added to the controversy.

■ Impact on Public Image
Jeong rose to fame in 2020 through TV Chosun’s “Mr. Trot,” where he placed fifth as a middle school student. Since then, he has built a reputation as a rising star in trot music. However, this latest controversy is expected to deal a blow to his public image. His agency pledged full cooperation with the legal process and vowed to help Jeong mature through the experience.

One-line summary : Singer Jeong Dong-won is under investigation for unlicensed driving during high school, a case revealed through blackmail, and he has expressed deep remorse.