Two comedians caught up in sensitive controversies made completely different choices. Park Na-rae, who faced criticism over allegations of manager abuse and illegal medical practices, ultimately announced a halt to her activities, while Cho Sae-ho, who faced allegations of ties to organized crime, proceeded with scheduled variety show filming, showing contrasting actions.
On the 3rd, Park Na-rae was placed at the center of the controversy after two former managers filed a provisional seizure on real estate against her. The former managers, who worked at Park Na-rae's one-person agency, alleged so-called "gapjil" abuse, including verbal abuse, assault, proxy prescriptions, unpaid appearance fees, and constant personal errands.
In addition, the scandal grew with allegations of illegal medical practices that Park Na-rae received controlled substances by proxy from a person known as "injection aunt" and accusations of violating the Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act for failing to register a one-person agency.
On the 5th, Park Na-rae's side rebutted, saying, "The former managers demanded 10% of the company's sales after receiving severance pay, and when we refused, they continued to make claims that are not true," and added, "We are taking legal action against the spread of false information."
Regarding the medical practice allegations, they denied illegality, saying, "She only received a legitimate house-call treatment from a person with a medical license."
However, the controversy did not subside. On the 8th, Park Na-rae posted a handwritten statement on social media saying, "Everything is my fault," and announced, "I will suspend all broadcasting activities so as not to harm the programs and colleagues." The production side of the flagship variety show MBC "I Live Alone" also officially announced, "Considering the seriousness of the matter and Park Na-rae's wishes, we have decided to suspend her appearances."
Park Na-rae added, "I bow my head and apologize to everyone who has trusted and supported me," and expressed her intention to reflect on her actions.
Meanwhile, Cho Sae-ho has continued broadcasting despite allegations of links to organized crime. Earlier, a whistleblower identified as A said on the 5th, "Cho Sae-ho has a long-standing friendship with a mobster surnamed Choi who has been accused of illegal gambling and money laundering," and claimed, "There are suspicions of receiving expensive gifts and collusion in franchise promotion."
A released a photo of Cho Sae-ho and Mr. Choi with their arms around each other and hugging, criticizing, "They promoted a franchise run by a member of a violent organization and received gifts while claiming to be acquaintances. Is it acceptable for a national comedian to do that?"
Regarding this, Cho Sae-ho's agency A2Z Entertainment dismissed the claims, saying, "This is not true at all. He is simply an acquaintance met during an event, and there were no paid gifts or improper relationships." But A immediately responded, "Can a 10-year acquaintance be called a simple acquaintance? There are photos taken at Mr. Choi's house before Cho Sae-ho's marriage," and warned of further disclosures.
Afterward, A deleted the exposé post on social media but left the remark, "There was external pressure," which further fueled the controversy.
Nevertheless, Cho Sae-ho carried out his scheduled commitments. KBS 2TV's "2 Days & 1 Night" production team told OSEN on the 8th, "It is true that filming took place on the 5th and 6th," and added, "Currently the '2 Days & 1 Night' production team is closely monitoring matters related to Cho Sae-ho."
Although they were embroiled in controversy around the same time, Park Na-rae chose to halt all broadcasting while Cho Sae-ho continued filming and opted for a "confrontational breakthrough." The public has shown mixed reactions to the difference in the two people's responses.
[photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]