The whistleblower who raised the so-called 'organized crime acquaintance involvement' allegation surrounding comedian Cho Sae-ho deleted SNS posts, raising another suspicion. With the post deletions and mentions of the possibility of the account being wiped, the controversy appears to be entering a new phase.
On the 7th, A, who had raised allegations of involvement between Cho Sae-ho and Choi, identified as a local gangster, deleted a large number of related posts from his SNS account where he had been posting exposés in succession. Afterwards, he left a short statement through a one-time story.
In the story, A said, "I took down some posts and will repost them once things are sorted. the account could be wiped," and claimed, "They say the police and prosecution are digging into my personal details, but I am not the criminal, although money is frightening. still, I will not give in." He added, "I am not trying to stand out. do not misunderstand."
He also hinted at possible external pressure, saying, "If you watch dramas, reporters who know the truth face outside pressure or even get killed. They know the truth but can do nothing in front of money and power."
A also said, "I do not demand money for profit. I do not use KakaoTalk and only use Instagram direct messages and Telegram," and demanded, "The grand organized crime boss Choi who posts on Instagram should explain himself directly." He reiterated that Choi and Cho Sae-ho have a close relationship and added that the two are close friends.
In particular, A claimed that actor Song Seo-won is Choi's lover and was invited to Cho Sae-ho's wedding, and released additional photos. The post contained a name presumed to be Song Seo-won's real name alongside a photo of the wedding venue table from Cho Sae-ho's wedding. However, there are pointed differences between the woman A presented as Choi's presumed lover and Song Seo-won's actual appearance, and Song Seo-won's side has not issued a separate statement so far.
Earlier, A alleged that Cho Sae-ho maintained ties with Choi, who faces charges of illegal online gambling and money laundering, and that they had an exchange relationship involving franchise promotion as compensation. In response, Cho Sae-ho's side flatly denied the involvement allegations, saying, "Choi is merely an acquaintance met at events," and announced plans to take legal action over spreading false information and malicious comments.
Afterwards, Choi also released KakaoTalk conversations implying he had been extorted for money by A, and denied the connection to Cho Sae-ho, saying they were merely acquaintances. But A again denied that claim, saying, "I do not use KakaoTalk," raised the possibility of outside pressure, and continued with additional exposés. He even broadened the controversy by claiming that Cho Sae-ho's wife was present at the problematic drinking gathering.
During this process, the number of followers on A's SNS account surged from just over 100 to more than 10,000, drawing significant attention.
Meanwhile, Cho Sae-ho has previously faced various controversies, including a fashion event controversy and criticism over interview conduct, so some say that if this matter drags on it will inevitably damage his image. While his agency vowed a tough response, the whistleblower hinted at releasing additional materials, so the dispute over the truth is expected to continue for the time being.
Attention is focused on when and how Cho Sae-ho, who has remained silent, will speak directly. Observers are watching whether the silence will become a shield or the spark for another controversy.
Meanwhile, Cho Sae-ho married his model-turned wife, Jeong Su-ji, who is nine years his junior, in October last year. Because the large-scale ceremony, which drew more than 900 guests, attracted attention, concerns are growing that the current exposé is now involving his wife as well.
[Photo] OSEN DB, SNS
[OSEN]