Comedian Cho Sae-ho, embroiled in allegations of ties to organized crime, was confirmed to have participated normally in the scheduled 2 Days & 1 Night filming.
On the 8th, KBS 2TV's 2 Days & 1 Night told OSEN, "It is true that we proceeded with the filming scheduled for the 5th and 6th," and added, "The production team is closely monitoring matters related to Cho Sae-ho."
Earlier, whistleblower A alleged that Cho Sae-ho had a long-standing friendship with Mr. Choi, who was accused of leading illegal gambling and money laundering, and claimed they exchanged expensive gifts and helped promote a franchise.
A released a photo showing Cho Sae-ho and Mr. Choi with their arms around each other and hugging, and criticized, "He says they are acquaintances, but they promoted a franchise run by a violent organization member and received gifts. Is it acceptable for a national comedian to do that?"
In response, Cho Sae-ho's agency A2Z Entertainment said, "The allegation of collusion with organized crime is completely untrue. It is only the informant's speculation," and added, "There were no paid gifts or inappropriate relationships, and we are considering legal action over the spread of false information."
The agency also dismissed the claims, saying, "The two were merely casual acquaintances met during events," and called it "groundless."
But A continued to rebut, saying, "We knew each other for 10 years, so calling them mere acquaintances makes no sense." He warned of additional disclosures, saying, "There is also a photo taken at Mr. Choi's house with Cho Sae-ho before his marriage and his current wife. If he keeps denying it, I will make it public." He added, "People in the Gangnam area also know that the two treated each other like brothers."
On the 5th, A posted on his social media, "My post will cause trouble for Cho Sae-ho," and wrote, "I know celebrities and public officials who have connections to Mr. Choi." He continued, "Celebrities are human and can be friends with gang members. But if you are a public figure, you should set an example," and asserted, "We were together for 10 years, so saying they are mere acquaintances is unacceptable."
Later, on the 7th A deleted related posts from social media. Instead, through his story he said, "I took down the posts and will repost after organizing them," and added, "The account might be shut down. The police are checking personal information, but I am not the criminal. Money is scary, but I will not give in." He also said, "There was external pressure," and added, "I know the truth, but I can do nothing in the face of power. Korea is really dirty."
Meanwhile, Cho Sae-ho remains a regular cast member of 2 Days & 1 Night and is participating in scheduled broadcast activities, and the production team is watching the direction of the controversy and reviewing follow-up measures.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]