The controversy over the so-called "organized crime involvement" allegations surrounding broadcaster Cho Sae-ho is not dying down easily. Despite his agency's strong denial, the accuser A has warned of additional disclosures in succession, and the matter appears to be spreading.
On the 5th, the accuser A wrote on his social media, "The post I uploaded has caused a huge social ripple and will cause considerable trouble for Cho Sae-ho," and claimed, "I know who the famous influencers, entertainers and public officials with ties to Mr. Choi are."
Earlier, A alleged that Cho Sae-ho had maintained a long-standing friendship with Choi, an organized crime figure suspected of operating illegal gambling sites and money laundering. He released photos of the two with their arms around each other or hugging and raised suspicions that Cho Sae-ho promoted a franchise run by Choi and received expensive gifts.
In response, Cho Sae-ho's agency A2Z Entertainment dismissed the claims, saying, "The person in question is merely an acquaintance and there was absolutely no exchange of money or quid pro quo relationship." The agency added that it is "reviewing legal action for defamation and obstruction of business caused by the spread of false information."
However, A rebutted again shortly after the clarification by posting another message. He said, "I understand that entertainers are people and can have drinking gatherings with organized crime figures," but added, "If someone is a public figure, shouldn't they set an example before the public? It's hard to accept describing a relationship known for nearly 10 years as a 'mere acquaintance.'"
He continued, "It's impossible that Cho Sae-ho didn't know what kind of person Choi was after watching him for 10 years," and added that there is evidence that Cho Sae-ho knew about businesses related to Choi and visited them in person. The released photos included a congratulatory wreath for a grand opening in Cho Sae-ho's name.
In particular, A said, "I have photos of Cho Sae-ho having a drinking gathering at Choi's house with his current wife before their marriage," and warned, "If you keep insisting on 'mere acquaintance,' I will have no choice but to make them public," suggesting the possibility of additional revelations. He also claimed, "It is already known in the Gangnam area that the two are very close and call each other like brothers."
A shared clips of the MBN program 'Kim Myung-jun's News Fighter' that covered the allegations and thanked a host who raised questions about Cho Sae-ho's agency's explanation, saying, "Thank you for saying what I wanted to say." At the time, the broadcast pointed out, "The core of the controversy is whether the person in the photo is a key member of organized crime, and there is no clear explanation on that."
As the controversy grew, comments demanding that Cho Sae-ho step down from tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' continued on his social media, and Cho Sae-ho eventually restricted comments.
[photo] 'OSEN DB'
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