Broadcast personality Cho Sae-ho, who has been embroiled in allegations of ties to organized crime, will ultimately withdraw from all variety programs.
On the 9th, his agency A2Z Entertainment released an official statement saying, "Cho Sae-ho will step down from tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' and KBS 2TV's '2 Days & 1 Night'."
Earlier, Cho Sae-ho was accused of maintaining a long-standing friendship with Choi, a powerful organized crime figure who is suspected of operating illegal gambling sites and laundering money. According to the whistleblower, Cho Sae-ho received expensive gifts from Choi and even promoted his franchise, claiming they had a close relationship.
In response, A2Z Entertainment said in an official statement that Choi was merely an acquaintance met at events and that there were no transactional gifts or inappropriate relationships. Despite his explanation, viewers of 'You Quiz' and '2 Days & 1 Night' demanded Cho Sae-ho's departure, and the production team of '2 Days & 1 Night' told OSEN, "Filming on the 5th and 6th proceeded normally," adding, "We are closely monitoring the matter," in a cautious statement.
Meanwhile, A2Z Entertainment announced on the 9th in a second official statement that he would leave 'You Quiz' and '2 Days & 1 Night'. The agency said, "Cho Sae-ho feels a deep sense of responsibility for the misunderstandings and controversies recently raised about him. He is fully aware of the discomfort felt by viewers who love these programs. He also does not want the production staff, who make the programs through their sweat and blood, to carry a burden because of the attention on him. After consulting with the program producers, he decided to voluntarily step down."
They added, "Cho Sae-ho and our agency intend to respond to this matter more sternly. Legal action to clear up misunderstandings surrounding Cho Sae-ho and to restore his damaged image will be carried out more swiftly and firmly going forward. We promise to completely dispel all current suspicions and return in good health."
They reiterated, "As we stated in our earlier official statement, Cho Sae-ho has nothing to do with the business of Choi, who is the subject of the allegations. We again make clear that the claim that he received money or goods from Choi for business promotion is categorically untrue." They bowed and said, "Through this incident, Cho Sae-ho is deeply grateful for the sincere concern and comfort of many people. He also considers the sharp criticism as an opportunity for self-reflection and values it. He also conveys that he will strive to provide healthier laughter. We ask for continued support for Cho Sae-ho's future endeavors."
Below is the full official statement from A2Z Entertainment.
Hello. This is A2Z Entertainment. Cho Sae-ho will step down from tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' and KBS 2TV's '2 Days & 1 Night'. Cho Sae-ho feels a deep sense of responsibility for the misunderstandings and controversies recently raised about him. First, Cho Sae-ho is fully aware of the discomfort felt by viewers who love these programs. He also does not want the production staff, who make the programs through their sweat and blood, to carry a burden because of the attention on him. After consulting with the program producers, he decided to voluntarily step down. Cho Sae-ho and our agency intend to respond to this matter more sternly. Legal action to clear up misunderstandings surrounding Cho Sae-ho and to restore his damaged image will be carried out more swiftly and firmly going forward. We promise to completely dispel all current suspicions and return in good health. As we stated in our earlier official statement, Cho Sae-ho has nothing to do with the business of Choi, who is the subject of the allegations. We again make clear that the claim that he received money or goods from Choi for business promotion is categorically untrue. Finally, through this incident, Cho Sae-ho is deeply grateful for the sincere concern and comfort of many people. He also considers the sharp criticism as an opportunity for self-reflection and values it. He also conveys that he will strive to provide healthier laughter. We ask for continued support for Cho Sae-ho's future endeavors.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]