Actor Jo Jin-woong announced his retirement, taking responsibility for past controversies.
On the 6th, Jo Jin-woong said through his agency, "I bow my head and apologize for disappointing everyone who believed in and supported me because of my past regrettable actions." He added, "I will humbly accept all criticism and, effective today, suspend all activities and bring an end to my career as an actor," and added, "I believe this is the appropriate responsibility I must bear for past mistakes."
The controversy was triggered by a tip-based report by Dispatch the previous day. According to the report, claims were made that Jo Jin-woong was involved in vehicle theft and other acts as a high school student and lived in a juvenile detention center. Testimony continued that he received a fine for an assault incident during his unknown years and that he had a history of drunk driving. The wave of backlash grew as suspicions spread that the reason he used a stage name was to hide his past record.
Later that same night, the agency issued an official statement and acknowledged some facts. People Entertainment said, "As confirmed with the actor, we verified that there were wrongful actions committed during his minor years." However, they explained limitations, saying, "Because it was more than 30 years ago, it is difficult to fully determine the exact circumstances, and the related legal procedures have already been concluded."
The agency drew a line regarding allegations of involvement in sexual assault. "However, we want to make it clear that he is unrelated to any acts involving sexual assault," they emphasized.
Regarding the suspicion about using a stage name, they said, "It was not for the purpose of hiding the past, but a resolution to admonish himself and become a better person," and added, "Please understand the actor's sincerity."
The fallout from the controversy spread to the broadcasting world. SBS's civic affairs and culture program Crime and War, for which Jo Jin-woong had narrated, replaced all recorded narration. The broadcaster said, "We are already taking action on episode 1, which has already aired."
Also, the highly anticipated tvN project scheduled to air next year, "The Second Signal," is facing difficult decisions about its future. Signal 2 is the follow-up to the 2016 hit original, and Jo Jin-woong had already finished filming as a lead cast member. There is talk that scheduling and postproduction directions may be adjusted following this controversy.
Ultimately, amid the flow of controversy, Jo Jin-woong chose to retire early himself. Jo Jin-woong bowed his head, saying, "As a human being, I will do my best to reflect so that I can stand properly," and "I was grateful to everyone I love and respect. I am sorry."
[Photo] OSEN DB
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