Comedian Cho Sae-ho has acknowledged a relationship with a former organized crime figure, and the controversy is spreading. In particular, voices are calling for him to step down from the variety show You Quiz on the Block, on which he appears.
Earlier, accuser A said on the 5th, "My post caused a large social ripple. Cho Sae-ho will be in trouble," and claimed, "I know the entertainers and public officials connected to Mr. Choi." He alleged that Cho Sae-ho maintained a long friendship with Choi, a former organized crime figure accused of illegal gambling and money laundering, and claimed there were suspicions of receiving expensive gifts and franchise promotion collusion.
A released photos of the two with their arms around each other or hugging and criticized, "He said they were acquaintances, but he helped promote a franchise run by a member of a violent organization and received expensive gifts. Is it acceptable for a national comedian to do that?"
In response, Cho Sae-ho's agency A2Z Entertainment said, "The allegation is completely untrue," and explained, "He was merely an acquaintance met at events, and there were no transactional gifts or inappropriate relationship."
But A immediately rebutted. He said, "We've known each other for 10 years; is it reasonable to call that a mere acquaintance?" and claimed, "There are photos taken at Mr. Choi's home before Cho Sae-ho's marriage. If he keeps denying it, I will release more." He added, "Everyone in the Gangnam area knows the two treat each other like brothers."
A also mentioned MBN's Kim Myung-jun's News Fighter, saying, "I am grateful they spoke for my position," and the program pointed out, "There is no clear explanation whether the controversial figure is a key organized crime member or what the actual business is."
As the controversy grew, Cho Sae-ho's social media was flooded with protest comments such as "Step down from 'You Quiz'," "Don't tarnish Yoo Jae-suk's image," and "Production team, verify this." As a result, Cho Sae-ho has disabled comments entirely.
Cho Sae-ho is currently co-hosting tvN's You Quiz on the Block with Yoo Jae-suk. However, the controversy has spilled over to Yoo Jae-suk, and reactions expressing concern about damage to his image have followed.
Meanwhile, A, who raised the allegation of Cho Sae-ho's ties to organized crime, suddenly deleted posts and also revealed the possibility of blowing up the SNS account, adding to the suspicion.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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