Singer Jung Dong-won, 18, is under investigation for allegedly driving without a license, according to MBN.
Per the outlet, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office is looking into a suspected violation of the Road Traffic Act (unlicensed driving).
Authorities say Jung allegedly drove a truck in 2023 in Hadong, South Gyeongsang Province, when he was 16 ― too young to legally obtain a driver’s license in South Korea.
It also recently emerged that Jung was targeted in an alleged blackmail scheme. Reports state three individuals who had gotten hold of his phone in March demanded 500 million won to keep his private information from being leaked. Jung is said to have paid around 100 million won to retrieve the device. Following a complaint from his management, police arrested the trio, and Jung was questioned as a victim.
Investigators found a 2023 video on that phone showing Jung behind the wheel of a truck. Gangnam Police determined there was evidence of unlicensed driving and referred the case to prosecutors in June.
Under Article 82 of South Korea’s Road Traffic Act, individuals can obtain licenses to operate passenger vehicles starting at age 18. Driving without a license is punishable by up to 10 months in prison or a fine of up to 3 million won.
Jung’s agency said it is checking the facts regarding the latest developments.
In March 2023, Jung was also caught riding a motorcycle on Seoul’s Dongbu Arterial Road, where two-wheeled vehicles are banned, and received a suspension of indictment (a form of deferred prosecution).
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)