K-Pop Star Jeong Dong-won Admits to Underage Driving, Faces Blackmail Threats

K-Pop singer Jeong Dong-won has admitted to driving without a license during his teenage years. Additionally, he has revealed that he was a victim of blackmail, with demands for 200 million won in exchange for silence on the matter.

On the 11th, Jeong Dong-won's agency, Showplay Entertainment, released an official statement acknowledging the incident. They stated, "Jeong Dong-won practiced driving for about 10 minutes on a mountain road near his hometown in Hadong, and a passenger recorded the event." The agency added, "Jeong Dong-won deeply regrets and reflects on his mistake of practicing driving without a license."

Furthermore, Jeong Dong-won's side confessed to being blackmailed in relation to the unlicensed driving incident. The agency explained, "Last year, an acquaintance, referred to as 'A,' took Jeong Dong-won's phone from his home. 'A' and others illegally accessed the phone's photo album, which contained personal information." They continued, "Subsequently, 'A' and others threatened Jeong Dong-won, claiming to have a video of him driving without a license."

The blackmailers demanded over 200 million won, presenting the video as evidence of Jeong Dong-won's unlicensed driving. However, Jeong Dong-won refused to comply and did not pay the money. Instead, he reported the blackmailers to the police, expressing his willingness to face legal consequences for his actions. The blackmailers are currently in custody and undergoing trial.

In 2023, Jeong Dong-won, then 16 years old, drove a vehicle without a license in Hadong. The case has been forwarded to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office.

Showplay Entertainment issued a formal apology, stating, "We sincerely apologize for the unfortunate incident involving our artist, Jeong Dong-won." They emphasized their commitment to ensuring that their artists grow into mature and responsible members of society through proper management and education.

The agency concluded by expressing their apologies to fans and the public, promising to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Showplay Entertainment

Reporter: Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia, wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr