Singer Jang Yoon-jeong’s biological mother, identified as Ms. A, is facing allegations that she ran an investment scam by invoking her daughter’s name.
On the 30th of last month, JTBC’s current affairs program Chief Investigator aired an episode titled “A Famous Singer’s Mother, A Sweeping Con,” covering claims surrounding Ms. A. According to the broadcast, an alleged victim identified as Ms. B said they met Ms. A at a sauna and that Ms. A built rapport by sharing health supplements, saying, “Jang Yoon-jeong sent these.”
Later, Ms. A allegedly claimed that investing in a trot TV show Jang appeared on would yield profits, and Ms. B reportedly handed over tens of millions of won as an investment. There were also claims that Ms. A used two mobile phones to fabricate messages, making it appear as if Jang herself had texted her.
Growing suspicious, Ms. B’s daughter reported the matter to the police, and another alleged victim is said to have filed a complaint using the same method. Police are reportedly investigating with Ms. A at the center.
While Jang’s side declined to give an interview regarding her mother, they issued a statement to prevent further harm, saying, “We have not had direct contact with her mother for decades.” The alleged victims are also reportedly aware that this case is unrelated to Jang.
Jang publicly disclosed family conflicts in 2013 and has since been effectively estranged from her mother. In the past, Ms. A lost a lawsuit against Jang’s former agency over ownership of her daughter’s income, and Jang partially won a repayment claim against her younger brother.