Singer Jeong Dong-won avoids trial for unlicensed driving, receives prosecution suspension

Singer Jeong Dong-won, investigated for driving without a license as a high school student, will not face court, Yonhap News reports. On November 6, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office granted Jeong a suspension of indictment (prosecution suspension) for violation of the Road Traffic Act, acknowledging that while his actions were illegal, the circumstances didn't warrant a formal trial.

What is prosecution suspension and why was it applied?

A prosecution suspension is a form of non-prosecution when, although the accused's wrongdoing is clear, the prosecution decides not to press charges, considering factors such as age, remorse, and situational context. Jeong Dong-won drove near his hometown on a mountain road in Hadong, South Gyeongsang, in 2023 at age sixteen-below the legal age for a car license in Korea. Prosecutors considered that Jeong was a juvenile and first-time offender, that there were no serious consequences, and that he showed genuine remorse and promised not to repeat the action.

This decision also considered similar precedent cases and the broader impact on youth offenders.

Blackmail attempt and previous incidents

The case took a dramatic turn when an acquaintance who filmed Jeong's driving attempted to blackmail him for a large sum. Jeong's agency revealed that he courageously reported the crime, resulting in the blackmailers' arrest. Jeong was also previously caught in 2023 for riding a motorcycle without a license on a highway, but received prosecution suspension in that case as well.

Background and public response

Jeong Dong-won, who debuted in 2019 on the TV Chosun show 'Mr. Trot,' remains a beloved figure in Korean music and television. The incidents have sparked renewed debate about youth driving laws and the responsibilities of young entertainers, but his candid response and legal resolution have garnered support from many fans.