Actor Jo Jin-woong has been at the center of controversy after being accused of involvement in serious crimes during his school years. Initially, only tip-based reports existed, prompting calls to avoid premature judgment, but afterward Jo Jin-woong's side issued an official statement acknowledging some wrongdoing during his minor years, drawing attention to how the situation will develop.
# Jo Jin-woong's side acknowledges some allegations
People Entertainment, Jo Jin-woong's agency, told OSEN on the 5th, "We are confirming the report's contents and will announce our position after determining the facts," showing a cautious response.
However, later that same afternoon, in an additional statement they said, "After confirming directly with Jo Jin-woong, we verified that there were wrongful actions during his minor years," acknowledging some facts. The agency added, "These events occurred more than 30 years ago, making it difficult to fully determine all circumstances and legal procedures have already concluded," and emphasized, "We make it clear that this is unrelated to acts of sexual assault."
Earlier, Dispatch reported, based on testimony from informants, that Jo Jin-woong was involved in a car theft and sexual assault case in high school and was sent to a juvenile detention center. The report also included testimony alleging a record of assault and drunk driving in college and fines.
Regarding this, the agency said, "The actor himself is taking very seriously that there were moments after reaching adulthood when inadequate judgment caused concern," effectively acknowledging some past problematic behavior. However, they completely denied the allegation of participation in sexual assault raised in the tips and said there are parts of the facts that have been exaggerated or distorted.
#. explanation also given for suspicions about stage name change… "It was not to hide the past"
Some informants claimed that Jo Jin-woong used his father's name as a stage name instead of his real name as a 'choice to hide past criminal records.' In response, the agency explained, "Using his father's name as a stage name was closer to a personal pledge to become a better person," and said, "It was not intended to hide the past."
#. clear fact-checking needed… "We should guard against hasty criticism"
Nevertheless, many parts still rely solely on informants' words, and official materials such as juvenile detention records or court rulings from the time have not been disclosed.
Because crimes committed during minority years are difficult to verify due to restricted access to records and victim protection, experts advised, "Further verification is needed for remaining facts," and cautioned that "branding someone with a stigma based on one-sided claims is dangerous."
Jo Jin-woong is currently preparing major works including tvN's "Signal 2," so attention is focused on how this issue will affect his activities.<
[Photo] OSEN DB
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