Jung Dong Won (18) has found himself at the center of controversy after it was revealed that he was blackmailed for 500 million KRW (about $360,000) by someone later identified as his friend. The blackmail stemmed from a video showing Jung driving without a license at the age of 16.
On September 12, YouTuber Lee Jin Ho released a video on his channel Entertainment President Lee Jin Ho titled 'The Full Story of Jung Dong Won’s Unlicensed Driving Controversy.'
According to Lee, Jung Dong Won drove his father’s truck for about 10 minutes in Hadong, South Gyeongsang Province, in January 2023. The incident was allegedly recorded by a friend. Since Jung was only 16 at the time and below the legal age of 18 required to obtain a driver’s license under Korea’s Road Traffic Act, he now faces possible legal consequences including up to 10 months in prison or a fine of up to 3 million KRW (about $2,100).
Police had already booked Jung earlier this year on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act, and the case was referred to prosecutors in June. However, the situation took a shocking turn when it was revealed that the person who reported the incident and demanded 500 million KRW (about $360,000) in hush money was actually one of Jung’s friends.
Lee explained that Jung’s friend stole an old phone from Jung’s home in Seoul, gained access to its contents, and discovered the video. The friend, along with family members, then demanded money in exchange for keeping the footage private.
Contrary to reports suggesting Jung paid 1 billion KRW (about $720,000), Lee clarified that Jung never gave them a single won: “Jung Dong Won immediately reported the case to police. He prepared 1 billion KRW (about $720,000) only to stage a handover and help authorities catch the culprits. He never intended to give them money,” Lee said.
Jung eventually recovered his stolen phone after the suspects were arrested. Despite pleas for leniency, he refused to settle with the blackmailers, who are now in custody and standing trial.
On September 11, Jung’s agency Show Play Entertainment confirmed the details in an official statement: “Last year, an acquaintance (Mr. A) took Jung Dong Won’s phone from his home. Mr. A and others illegally accessed personal data, including photos, and later used a video of Jung’s unlicensed driving to demand more than 200 million KRW (about $145,000). Jung refused to comply and immediately reported them to the police. The perpetrators are now in detention and undergoing trial.”
The agency further admitted that Jung had indeed practiced driving for about 10 minutes on a mountain road near his hometown but stressed that he deeply regrets his actions: “Jung Dong Won acknowledges his wrongdoing and sincerely reflects on the incident.”
This shocking revelation has left fans reeling, not only because of the singer’s youthful mistake but also due to the betrayal by someone he once considered a friend.
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