Singer Jeong Dong-won has shared updates following his suspended indictment related to unlicensed driving, including news of his recent talent donation activities.
In January 2023, when he was 16 years old, it was belatedly revealed that Jeong had driven a truck without a license in his hometown of Hadong, South Gyeongsang Province. On November 6, he received a suspended indictment for violating the Road Traffic Act (unlicensed driving).
The case surfaced after Jeong reported his acquaintance, Mr. A, to the police in September, stating that Mr. A had been continuously blackmailing him and demanding money, claiming “there is a video of your unlicensed driving.” Jeong had also been criticized for previously violating traffic laws while riding a motorcycle in March 2023, but the fact that he refused to comply with the extortion attempt and reported it was taken into account.
After the details came out, his agency stated, “The extortionists claimed the footage was evidence of Jeong’s unlicensed driving and demanded over 200 million won to keep it quiet. However, Jeong refused to comply and did not give them any money. He immediately reflected on his wrongdoing and reported the extortion group to the police, fully prepared to face legal consequences. The extortionists are now under arrest and on trial.” They added, “Jeong deeply regrets and reflects on practicing driving without a license.”
Following the suspended indictment decision, updates about Jeong have emerged. Jeong recently participated—on a talent-donation basis—in a “Senior Care Outstanding Caregivers Meeting” hosted by a senior-care company for which he has served as a model for three years. He personally presented certificates of appreciation to award recipients and joined a joint declaration event supporting caregivers.
At the declaration ceremony, Jeong reportedly read aloud the message, “Caring supports caregivers of the Republic of Korea,” delivering warm encouragement and gratitude toward those practicing love and service in society.
On December 9, it was announced that he had been selected as the exclusive model for a domestic seolleongtang (ox bone soup) brand. The brand, naming its first exclusive model in 40 years, stated, “Jeong Dong-won’s real experience using our products enhances consumer relatability and strengthens his connection with the brand.” His image as the “nation’s grandson,” beloved by both MZ and middle-aged generations, was also a reason for the selection.
Meanwhile, concrete details about Jeong Dong-won’s return to broadcasting and performing, as he is soon to graduate high school, have not been revealed. With fans having been disappointed multiple times, attention is on what lessons he has learned and what path he will take as he enters adulthood.
곧 성인되는 정동원, 무면허 운전 기소유예 후 재능기부→모델 발탁 근황
[뉴스엔 이하나 기자] 가수 정동원이 무면허 운전 관련 기소유예 처분을 받은 후 재능 기부 등 소식을 전했다. 정동원은 만 16세이던 지난 2023년 1월, 고향인 경남 하동에서 면허 없이 트럭을 운전했던 사실이 뒤늦게 밝혀져 지난 11월 6일 도로교통법 위반(무면허 운전) 혐의 관련 기소유예 처분을 받았다. 해당 사건은 지난 9월 정동원이 “무면허
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