Actor Jo Jin-woong's side partially acknowledged allegations of crimes committed during his teenage years but emphasized that using his father's name as a stage name was not intended to hide his past.
On the 5th, his agency, Saram Entertainment, issued an official statement saying, "As a result of confirming with the actor, we have confirmed that there were wrongful actions committed during his minor years," partially acknowledging the controversy.
Earlier that day, Dispatch reported that Jo Jin-woong was a person who, during high school, was involved in a serious crime and received juvenile detention. Informants claimed that Jo Jin-woong "joined a delinquent gang and participated in vehicle theft and sexual assault incidents, and after a criminal trial he was sent to a juvenile detention center."
Dispatch also reported that it obtained statements saying he had records of assault and drunk driving during his university years and his period of obscurity. It said he was fined for beating a fellow member during his time in theater and had his license revoked for drunk driving.
However, Saram Entertainment explained, "This is based on facts that have been partially confirmed, and because it was more than 30 years ago it is difficult to fully ascertain the circumstances, and related legal procedures have already concluded, so there are limitations," adding, "We clearly state that the acts are unrelated to sexual assault."
The agency bowed its head, saying, "The actor also takes very seriously and deeply reflects on the moments after becoming an adult when his poor judgment caused concern. We sincerely apologize to all those who were harmed and hurt by the actor's past mistakes. We are also sorry for disappointing those who have supported actor Jo Jin-woong."
It added, "We earnestly ask that you generously understand the actor's sincerity that the part where Jo Jin-woong has used his father's name as a stage name did not stem from a purpose to hide the past but from a determination to vow to himself and become a better person."
In response, past interviews with him are being reexamined. In February last year Jo Jin-woong told OSEN in an interview, "I created a passive environment where I had no choice but to live up to the value of the name myself."
Jo Jin-woong said, "I have never once regretted using my father's name. My father has now grown accustomed to it. Maybe because I set that situation up, I cherish the name. Sometimes I let go of (a small resolution), but the thought of at least living while protecting what is mine is strong," he said.
Jo Jin-woong, who continued his acting career using his father's name instead of his real name, said, "For example, someone who says 'I won't smoke' and intends to quit smoking cannot go anywhere and not smoke, and it's the same for me," and added, "But I cannot always live holding on with such tension. Sometimes I let it go, but still I want to live protecting the value of my name."
[Photo] Saram Entertainment
[OSEN]