On September 12, the Coreani media reported that Jung Dong-Won, the prodigy of the trot born in 2007, often nicknamed the “musical genius of the nation”, is under investigation for driving without a license.
The singer presumably led a car to Hadong, Gyeongnam in 2023, when he was only 16 years old. According to the Korean traffic law, drivers must be at least 18 to obtain a license.
This is not his first controversy linked to traffic. At the beginning of 2023, Jung Dong-Won was captured to ride a motorcycle without a license on the Dongbubo highway. At the time, he avoided the accusation because it was his first violation and was a minor. But this time, the consequences could be more serious: it faces up to 10 months in prison or a fine of 3 million victories ($ 2,200).
His agency claimed that he drove only for 10 minutes out of curiosity on a quiet rural road and is now deeply repentant.
What makes this case particularly shocking is how it came to light. In March 2025, Jung Dong-Won’s phone was stolen by a group of criminals who discovered a video of him who led illegally. They tried to blackmail him for 500 million wins ($ 380,000) and Jung Dong-Won even paid 100 million wins ($ 75,000) before reporting the crime to the police.
In the end the gang was arrested and Jung Dong-Won was initially treated as a victim. However, when the police examined the stolen phone, they discovered the evidence of his guide without a license and addressed the case to the ministries public in June.
Therefore, the status of Jung Dong-Won has changed from victim of blackmail to criminal accused.
The scandal turned on bright discussions on the Korean online forums. The fans expressed disappointment, noting that Jung Dong-Won, once adored for his innocent image and the powerful trot voice, was caught twice to break the law before turning 18.
The traffic-related scandals were historically conclusive for Korean celebrities, questioning the future of Jung Dong-Won.
Born on March 19, 2007, Jung Dong-Won was famous in 2020 in season 1 of Mr. Trot, winning hearts with his boy’s charm and mature vocal talent. He also pursued acting and debut with the name JD1 art in the Idol Ai market.
Now, while facing legal sanctions and public repercussions, the career of the prodigy is a free time hanging on a thread.
Sources: K14
