Jang Yoon Jung's mother accused of fraud after allegedly using singer's name to scam victims
by K-Soul · allkpopTrot singer Jang Yoon Jung's biological mother, identified by her surname Yook, has been accused of carrying out a fraud scheme by exploiting the name of her estranged daughter.
On June 30, 'Crime Chief' (Korean title: Sageon Banjang) aired a segment titled "Famous Singer's Mother in Widespread Fraud Scheme," detailing allegations against Yook.
According to the report, Yook allegedly persuaded a victim to invest money by claiming that she could generate profits through the TV audition program 'Miss Trot,' in which Jang Yoon Jung appeared. She reportedly maintained contact with the victim after meeting them at a jjimjilbang (Korean sauna), collecting tens of millions of KRW under the guise of investment funds.
The report also alleged that Yook used two mobile phones to fabricate KakaoTalk conversations, making it appear as though Jang Yoon Jung was sending her messages in an effort to convince the victim that her claims were legitimate.
The victim's daughter became suspicious and reported the case to the police. Authorities later discovered that another victim had allegedly been scammed using the same method and had already filed a criminal complaint.
The program obtained a statement from Jang Yoon Jung's side regarding the allegations. Although the singer has declined to comment publicly about her mother for years due to their estranged relationship, she said she chose to respond out of concern that more victims could emerge.
"I have had no contact with my mother," Jang Yoon Jung stated.
The victim also reportedly acknowledged that the case has no connection to Jang Yoon Jung herself. Police are currently investigating the allegations.
Longstanding Family Rift
Jang Yoon Jung's conflict with her mother and younger brother dates back more than a decade.
Ahead of her wedding in May 2013, the singer became embroiled in a highly publicized family dispute. During an appearance on 'Healing Camp, Aren't You Happy,' she revealed that her parents' divorce proceedings led her to discover that her entire fortune had disappeared and that she had been left with debts amounting to hundreds of millions of won.
In response, her mother and younger brother denied squandering her assets, claiming instead that they had lost contact with Jang after she left home. Yook later contacted media outlets directly in an attempt to present her side of the dispute.
Previously, Yook also filed a lawsuit against Jang Yoon Jung's former agency, Inwoo Production, seeking the return of 700 million KRW (approx. 452,480 USD) that she claimed had been loaned. The court ruled in favor of the agency, stating that although Yook had managed Jang Yoon Jung's finances, that did not grant her ownership of the money.
Jang Yoon Jung also partially prevailed in a separate civil lawsuit against her younger brother, seeking the return of a substantial amount of money.
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