Humans logo

Produce 101 Season 2's Jung Joongji (정중지) Takes His Own Life At Age 30

His mother posted a heartbreaking Tweet on September 19 to confirm.

By Jen ChichesterPublished 2 years ago 3 min read
2
Jung Joongji (정중지) ranked #64 on episode 5 of Produce 101 (Season 2).

Once-rising South Korean star Jung Joongji (정중지) took his life on September 9, 2022, which was confirmed 10 days later by his mother, who posted a Tweet from a Twitter account seemingly created so that she could share the heartbreaking news.

This is Jeong Joong Ji’s mother.

My son, Joong Ji, has taken his own life.

I have no words for how I feel right now.

— Jeong Joong Ji’s mother

Even though Joongji left Wayz Company in May of 2017, Produce 101 still kept him on as a Wayz trainee. Later on, Joongji joined Think Technique as a trainee.

An accuser launched allegations of sexual assault against Joongji during the course of the show. This prompted him to give a public apology; afterward, the accuser deleted their SNS posts.

That wasn't the only drama surrounding Joongji's time on the show. After the show ended, Joongji opened up about behind-the-scenes bullying. Joongji asserted that Yoon Jisung (from Wanna One) had consistently picked on him but that they eventually made amends during the show's run. He was finally eliminated, coming in at #64.

Joongji later posted a message on his SNS pleading with people to quit sending him rude and threatening comments. He admitted that the company made up the sexual assault drama just to get Joongji's name out there. Of course, that backfired. Wayz Company retaliated by filing a lawsuit against Joongji for defamation.

Joongji's post about the sexual assault fabrication.

“It’s raining, so I can’t go. I’m sad…. I’m envious when I see my successful friends. I couldn’t even participate. My agency spread weird rumors for ‘noise marketing’ and ruined my life, so I ended up leaving the agency.

“People just criticize me while not knowing the truth. It’s so hard to deal with. I really didn’t commit any crime… I’m not a criminal. They were really all fabricated rumors, but will anyone believe me?”

The actor went on to star in the plays “Prison” and “Essence of Love.” In 2017, he won in the actor category at the The Hanbit Awards. Joongji held his first fan meeting in 2018.

Joonji took his life on September 9th, 2022. He was buried on September 11th and was only 30 years old. He leaves behind his mother and a younger sister.

Suicide has spiked among young adults in South Korea in recent years. In 2020, the overall suicide rate per 100,000 people was 25.7, which dropped from 31.7 in 2011. However, women and people under age 30 were committing suicide at a higher rate than before. Women made more suicide attempts, but men actually took their own lives more frequently than women.

South Korea leads OECD member nations in terms of suicide rates.

Unfortunately, it seems as though Joongji was struggling in the later years of his life. After all the controversies surrounding his time on Produce 101, the budding young actor's career seems to have taken a serious nosedive.

If you go through some of the articles written on the scandal, there are people who respond by saying that Joongji essentially dug his own hole, that he screwed himself over by recanting on the sexual assault allegations and claiming the company put him up to it.

Whatever Joongji was going through, he clearly felt as though there was no coming back from the dark place he found himself in. If you have never stood on that edge, it is hard to know that sense of helplessness and hopelessness.

Just remember, there is help. There is hope. Believe me, I've been there. Joongji did not step back from that ledge, but you can. I did. Reach out and ask for help - there's no shame in doing so.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek help. If you live in the USA, dial 988 for the suicide hotline or 911 for emergency services. Canadians, please dial 1 (833) 456-4566 for the national suicide hotline. Mexico: (525) 510-2550. UK: 0800 689 5652.

celebrities
2

About the Creator

Jen Chichester

Greetings, Readers of Quality!

I am your humble host, Jen Chichester, also known as That Crime Writer Chick - bringing you true crime news in real time.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.