Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Man destroys own Ford Explorer in protest against automaker
The owner of a Ford Explorer smashes his car with a baseball bat in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, Jan. 20. Yonhap
By Jung Min-ho
The owner claims some parts of the car were repainted. Yonhap
By Jung Min-ho
A Korean man has destroyed his new car worth more than 50 million won ($45,000) in a fury, claiming he was given a Ford Explorer that “wasn't actually new.”
Jang Dong-min smashed his vehicle with a baseball bat in front of a Ford sales shop in Jeonju on Jan. 20, accusing Ford Motor Company of giving him a car with “traces of repair.”
“It was the last and only thing I could do after no one had believed me,” Jang told The Korea Times Tuesday. “Every time I looked at my car, I felt my heart swelling with anger … I couldn't just let it go.”
Jang bought his first Ford Explorer in May 2017, but within a few weeks, a serious engine problem occurred, he said. So the company exchanged that car for a new one in August that year.
But he later found some traces, which he believes indicate that his car was not brand new.
After receiving an experts' technical evaluation report that supports his claims, Jang eventually brought the issue to the court. But the judges did not accept his claims.
Jang said he would continue to protest.
Ford Korea expressed regret over the issue.
“He falsely insists that Ford sold a 'used car.' Over a long period time, the court has confirmed that his claims are not true,” a Ford Korea representative said.
“We always have and always will try our best to provide the best products and services to our customers.”