Amid the spread of a "gangster acquaintance rumor" surrounding comedian Cho Sae-ho, despite his agency strongly drawing a line saying "completely unfounded," internet users' calls for his removal are growing louder.
On the night of the 4th, agency A2Z Entertainment told OSEN, "Various allegations recently raised on social media, such as Cho Sae-ho receiving expensive gifts from a specific acquaintance, are completely untrue," dismissing the rumors.
Earlier, one social media account raised the allegation that "Cho Sae-ho frequently associates with and promotes a franchise run by a member of an organized crime group." The account claimed, "A person named Choi is a power figure in a local violent organization and is involved in operating illegal gambling sites and money laundering," and demanded an explanation from Cho Sae-ho.
On social media, photos were even posted showing Cho Sae-ho embracing or conversing with Mr. Choi, igniting the controversy. In response, the agency stressed, "It is merely an acquaintance relationship formed while participating in various events, and there were no transactional gifts or inappropriate relationships."
Nonetheless, the official "You Quiz on the Block" account is receiving a flood of removal demands. Despite Cho Sae-ho's immediate denial, online public opinion is not calming down. On the official social media of "You Quiz on the Block," comments such as "Don't ruin Yoo Jae-seok's image; step down yourself," "Can Cho Sae-ho continue appearing?", and "Producers should do some verification too" have been posted one after another, continuing the calls for his removal.
Cho Sae-ho's acknowledgment that Mr. Choi was a "simple acquaintance" has further provoked internet users' criticism. Some even questioned, "The explanation that he was a simple acquaintance is rather strange."
This controversy appears to be growing as it also recalls past broadcast-related controversies involving Cho Sae-ho. In particular, renewed criticism intensified when it was reexamined that immediately after interviewing breast cancer patient Park Mi-seon on "You Quiz," it became known he had attended a prior "breast cancer drinking party," raising questions about sincerity.
Currently Cho Sae-ho is a regular cast member on tvN's "You Quiz on the Block" and KBS2's "2 Days & 1 Night" season 4, among other programs. Because these programs value image and credibility, if the controversy persists, the production teams' burden is expected to increase.<
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]