The fandom issued an official statement expressing its position regarding singer Jeong Dong-won's unlicensed driving controversy.
On the 11th, Jeong Dong-won's fandom expressed regret in a statement released through its community, saying, "This matter is a wrongdoing that cannot be justified for any reason, and it reaffirms the basics that must be observed as members of society."
The fandom acknowledged Jeong Dong-won's rash judgment during his minor years, while saying, "We love his music more than anyone, but blind support does not exempt legal responsibility," and emphasized strict standards.
It also raised a firm voice, saying, "We strongly demand that Jeong Dong-won take measures to prevent recurrence and adopt a mature attitude."
The fandom also voiced concerns about indiscriminate speculation and criticism spreading online after the incident, asking to refrain from hate speech while saying, "Distortion and defamation can cause secondary harm."
In particular, it raised issues about the circumstances under which the suspect's facts were reported during the prosecution's investigation stage, adding, "If there was unofficial provision of information, we urge that compliance with related regulations be checked and measures to prevent recurrence be demanded."
The fandom did not stop at mere criticism and proposed concrete fulfillment of responsibility. It urged that Jeong Dong-won complete traffic safety training by experts and participate in related campaigns, and fans also pledged, "We will commit to following traffic safety rules in daily life."
At the end of the statement it said, "We hope Jeong Dong-won restores trust through reflection and practice. We respect sufficient time for reflection and expect him to respond again through music."
Meanwhile, it was reported that Jeong Dong-won was sent to the prosecution on the charge of driving a car without a license in Hadong, Gyeongnam, in 2023 when he was 16, which caused shock.
In response, Jeong Dong-won's agency, Showplay Entertainment, released an official statement saying, "We bow our heads and apologize for the unfortunate incident recently involving our artist Jeong Dong-won."
They went on to explain, "Last year, an acquaintance identified as A took a cellphone from Jeong Dong-won's home, and A and other acquaintances illegally accessed the photo album containing Jeong Dong-won's private life. Afterwards, A and others repeatedly threatened him, saying, 'There is a video of Jeong Dong-won driving without a license.' Jeong Dong-won practiced driving for about 10 minutes on a mountain road near his hometown Hadong house, and a passenger filmed that scene."
The agency said, "The extortionists presented the video as evidence of Jeong Dong-won's unlicensed driving and threatened him to pay more than 200 million won as hush money, but Jeong Dong-won did not comply or pay. He immediately reflected on his wrongdoing and, prepared to face legal punishment, reported the extortionists to the police, and the extortionists are currently detained and on trial."
They added, "Jeong Dong-won deeply regrets and reflects on the mistake of practicing driving without a license. Our company will do its best in management and education so that the artist can grow into a more mature and responsible member of society. We will also thoroughly guide him to ensure such an unfortunate incident does not occur again."
- The following is the full text of the statement
Our fandom expresses deep regret regarding the recently reported matter and will calmly await the investigation results. This matter is a wrongdoing that cannot be justified for any reason, and it reaffirms the basics that must be observed as members of society.
Jeong Dong-won made a rash judgment while a minor, and that act deserves criticism. We love his music more than anyone, but we make clear that blind support does not exempt legal responsibility. The fandom strongly demands that the artist prevent recurrence and adopt a mature attitude.
Separately, please refrain from indiscriminate speculation, criticism and hate speech. Distortion and defamation toward someone can cause secondary harm.
Amid social discussion of prosecution reform as a public agenda, we express deep concern about the circumstances of reporting suspect facts during the investigation stage. If there was unofficial provision of information, we urge checks on compliance with related regulations and measures to prevent recurrence, and we hope no further such harm occurs.
The fandom proposes small actions for a safer society on this occasion. We urge Jeong Dong-won to fulfill concrete responsibilities such as completing expert traffic safety training and participating in related campaigns, and fans also pledge to follow traffic safety rules in daily life.
We hope Jeong Dong-won restores trust through reflection and practice. We respect sufficient time for reflection and expect him to respond to trust again through music. The fandom will continue to support while upholding principles, and will stand with stricter standards in the face of wrongdoing.
Sep. 11, 2025
All members of the fandom supporting Jeong Dong-won
[Photo] OSEN DB
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