Actor Cho Jin-woong (real name Cho Won-jun·49) is suffering after being embroiled in allegations of involvement in serious crimes during his school years.
His agency, Saram Entertainment, told OSEN on the 5th, "We are checking the reported content," and added with a cautious stance, "We will state our position after clearly ascertaining the facts."
Earlier, Dispatch on that day, based on tips, raised questions about Cho Jin-woong's teenage background.
According to the report, Cho Jin-woong was tried for vehicle theft and sexual assault after associating with a high school delinquent crowd, and it was alleged that he lived in a juvenile detention center after receiving juvenile protection measures. There were even tips claiming that the crimes continued as they drove around in the stolen vehicle at the time.
Dispatch also reported that testimonies included claims that after Cho Jin-woong began theater activities after entering college, he was booked for assault and drunk driving and received fines. In particular, the tipsters raised suspicions, citing that Cho Jin-woong used his father's name as his stage name instead of his real name and that his official profile and resident registration birthdate did not match, asking, "Wasn't that a choice to erase the past?"
However, this report is still at the stage of tips and reporting claims. Critics note that whether he was actually sent to a juvenile detention center or the details of the incidents should be preceded by verification through objective materials such as investigation records or court rulings.
The shock surrounding Cho Jin-woong's past is being highlighted by the contrast with the image he has built. Previously, he played detectives pursuing violent crimes in films and series such as Believer, Signal and In the Line of Duty, and recently reinforced a "righteous narrative" by reading the pledge of allegiance to the flag at the Liberation Day commemoration. Some tipsters voiced, "It's ironic that the perpetrator gains a righteous face," and that point resonated.
But for now only one side's claims exist, and no statement has come from the person involved or the agency. Allegations of crimes committed as a minor, apart from victim protection issues, are matters that can only be determined by confirming official records, so premature stigmatization should be avoided.
With major works such as tvN's Signal 2 upcoming, attention is focused on what explanation Cho Jin-woong's side will provide and how these allegations will affect his future activities.<
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]