Is silence the best policy…Cho Sae-ho, who closed comments, draws attention as he keeps quiet amid warnings of additional revelations
The so-called "mob acquaintance rumor" surrounding comedian Cho Sae-ho is spreading with new allegations. His agency strongly drew a line saying "it is completely unfounded," but Cho Sae-ho himself has remained silent and has fully disabled comments on his social media. However, the accuser has warned of additional revelations, raising questions about whether the "silence strategy" is truly the best course.
A2Z Entertainment told OSEN on the night of the 4th, "All allegations about Cho Sae-ho recently raised on social media are not true," and added, "The person identified as an organized crime member is merely an acquaintance met through events, and there was no exchange of money or quid pro quo relationship." It also said it is considering legal action over the spread of false information and defamation.
The controversy began with a disclosure from a social media account. That account claimed Cho Sae-ho maintained a long friendship with a Mr. Choi, who is alleged to be a "powerful figure in a violent organization," and that he participated in promotions for a franchise run by Choi and received expensive gifts. The post added allegations of operating illegal gambling sites and money laundering, amplifying the fallout. The suspicion spread rapidly, especially after photos of the two embracing or being together were released.
Despite the agency's immediate denial, public sentiment remains cold. On the official social media of tvN You Quiz on the Block, protest comments poured in saying, "Don't drag down Yoo Jae-suk's image," "Can he continue to appear on the show amid this controversy?" and "Did the production team verify this?" Some internet users pointed out that Cho Sae-ho's acceptance of the person as a "mere acquaintance" was inappropriate and showed little trust in the explanation.
Meanwhile, the accuser, Mr. A, again posted additional claims on social media on the 5th. He said, "My post is causing a major social impact," and "I know exactly which famous influencers, entertainers and public officials are connected to Mr. Choi." He also asked rhetorically, "If someone is a public figure, does it make sense to describe a 10-year relationship with an organized crime member as a mere acquaintance?"
Mr. A said, in particular, "There is a photo from before Cho Sae-ho's marriage of him and his current wife drinking at Mr. Choi's home," and added, "If they keep saying it was just an acquaintance, I will have no choice but to make it public," expanding the controversy into the family sphere. He also thanked the host who helped amplify his allegations by mentioning MBN Kim Myung-jun's News Fighter.
As the controversy grew, Cho Sae-ho limited comments on all posts on his social media on the 5th. His account currently displays only the notice, "You cannot comment on this post." Given past experiences of receiving a flood of malicious comments during the "breast cancer drinking party" controversy, this move appears to be a defensive choice to prevent further spread.
Opinions differ over this silent approach. Some say, "It is natural to be reserved while preparing legal action," while others argue, "Closing comments without a direct explanation from the person amid ongoing revelations only fuels distrust."
[Photo] 'OSEN DB'
[OSEN]