Burning Sun convict Jung Joon-young eyes comeback after prison release
What's the story
Jung Joon-young, a former singer-songwriter who served a prison sentence for gang rape charges, is reportedly planning to resume his music career.
According to Xports News, Jung has recently met with music industry professionals and expressed his desire to continue his music career as a producer.
This move suggests a potential return to the entertainment industry despite the public's negative perception following his release from prison in March.
Fresh start
Jung's new role as a music producer
Jung is reportedly planning a fresh start in the music industry, this time as a producer rather than a singer.
Sources revealed that despite the potential backlash, he has reached out to industry contacts proposing collaboration on music projects due to his enduring passion for music.
His post-release activities have garnered increased interest, particularly following the BBC's documentary, Burning Sun, on the 2019 Burning Sun scandal.
About the scandal
Recalling Jung's involvement in the scandal
The 2019 sex scandal saw Jung and former FT Island singer Choi Jong-hoon arrested for their involvement in gang rape incidents in Hongcheon, Gangwon-do, and Daegu between January and March 2016.
Additionally, Jung faced accusations of sharing unauthorized sexual videos of women in a KakaoTalk group chat with several celebrities in 2015.
In 2020, the Supreme Court sentenced him to five years in prison. He walked out free in March.
Career
Looking at Jung's music career before the controversy
Jung rose to prominence with the singing competition Superstar K in 2012, clinching the third position.
Following this, he launched his debut mini-album, 1st Mini Album, in 2013.
In 2014, he unveiled his self-produced second mini-album, Teenager.
His studio album, The First Person, was released in 2017.
Additionally, Jung served as the lead vocalist of the rock band JJY Band from 2015 until March 2019, later rebranded as Drug Restaurant in 2016.
Acting stint
Jung's acting, radio stints: A brief look
In 2013, Jung became the youngest member to join the KBS2 variety show 2 Days & 1 Night, remaining a cast member until 2019.
He also hosted his radio program titled Jung Joon-young's Simsimtapa on MBC FM from 2014 to 2015 and made his debut in the film Love Forecast in 2015.
However, following his involvement in the highly publicized sexual crime, Jung was effectively removed from the entertainment industry.