Singer Jung Dong Won’s agency has issued a statement following revelations that the artist drove a car without a license while still a minor.
On September 11th, Show Play Entertainment, Jung’s agency, apologized for the incident, stating, “We sincerely apologize for the unfortunate situation involving Jung Dong Won.”
The agency explained that last year, an acquaintance identified as Mr. A took Jung’s phone from his home, and along with other acquaintances, illegally accessed his private photos. They allegedly used these photos to continuously threaten Jung.
According to Show Play Entertainment, “Jung practiced driving for about 10 minutes on a mountain road near his hometown in Hadong, and a passenger recorded the practice session. The extortionists attempted to demand over 200 million KRW (approx. $145,000) in exchange for not releasing the video, claiming it was evidence of Jung driving without a license. Jung refused to pay and reported the individuals to the police, who are now in custody and awaiting trial.”
The agency added that Jung deeply regrets practicing driving without a license and is reflecting on his actions. “This incident will serve as an opportunity for our artist to grow into a more responsible member of society. We will make every effort to ensure proper guidance and education moving forward,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office is currently investigating Jung for violating traffic laws related to unlicensed driving. The alleged incident occurred in 2023 in Hadong, Gyeongnam, when Jung was 16 and too young to obtain a driver’s license.
Previously, in March 2023, Jung was also caught riding a motorcycle on the Dongbu Expressway in Seoul, where motorcycle traffic is prohibited. He received a suspended prosecution for this violation. Born in 2007, Jung had just obtained a motorcycle license two days before the infraction.
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