Comedian Cho Sae-ho said he would leave the shows he is appearing on after being embroiled in allegations of ties to organized crime, and the whistleblower, a person surnamed A, also said they would not make any further revelations.
On the 9th, the whistleblower, a person surnamed A, posted a long message on their personal account saying, "I checked the statement released today by comedian Cho Sae-ho. Of course there may be unfair parts for him as well, but I think Cho Sae-ho, who has received much love and attention from the public over the years as a public figure, is in a position where more careful judgment and action are required."
Earlier, Cho Sae-ho said through his agency that he would leave tvN's You Quiz on the Block and KBS2's 1 Night 2 Days. He also wrote on his account, "Because I used to perform at many local events, I met various people I didn't know before. Each time that happened, as someone who stands before the public, I should have been more careful in my relationships with people around me, but when I was younger I did not respond to all those connections maturely. I deeply reflect on that," he said, looking back.
He went on to explain, "However, the allegations raised because of those connections are not true at all, as many people worry. Of course I know that the mere appearance in the photos disappointed people. I should have brought laughter and comfort to viewers, but instead I caused discomfort and disappointment, and I deeply reflect on and apologize for that."
However, his side emphasized that the content disclosed by the whistleblower is different. Cho Sae-ho's camp said, "We intend to respond more severely to this matter. We will proceed more swiftly and strongly with legal action to dispel misunderstandings surrounding Cho Sae-ho and to restore his damaged image," and added, "We promise to fully dispel all current suspicions and return in good health."
The whistleblower, a person surnamed A, said, "I do not harbor any personal feelings toward Cho Sae-ho. However, during the process of receiving various tips, I was provided with many stories and materials, and that process caused me much concern," and added, "Nevertheless, I judge that this decision to leave the shows was by no means an easy choice, and I want to express respect and applause for such determination."
The whistleblower, a person surnamed A, said, "I sincerely hope Cho Sae-ho returns in a more mature form, and I wish for him to show more trustworthy and positive behavior to the public going forward. I also confirmed the part where Cho Sae-ho said 'he plans to correct the parts that are not true through necessary procedures.' I too have organized and kept various tips and materials, but if legal procedures proceed in the future, I think they will only be reviewed to the extent necessary during that process."
Finally, the whistleblower, a person surnamed A, said, "Seeing Cho Sae-ho's attitude in facing this matter and his apparent willingness to take responsibility, I will not share materials related to Cho Sae-ho externally and will keep them personally," and explained, "This is intended to prevent unnecessary misunderstandings or conflicts and comes from a desire that the controversy does not widen further."
Meanwhile, a revelation drew attention that Cho Sae-ho was close friends with Mr. Choi, the leader of the largest violent organization in the Geochang region and an operator of an illegal online gambling site. The whistleblower, a person surnamed A, alleged that Cho Sae-ho promoted Mr. Choi's franchise restaurant and received expensive gifts in return, presenting photos and circumstantial evidence. The released photos showed Cho Sae-ho and Mr. Choi drinking together or attending the same wedding.
In response, Cho Sae-ho's agency, A2Z Entertainment, drew a line, saying, "Mr. Choi is a simple acquaintance and there is no transactional relationship," and added, "We are preparing legal action against the spreading of false information."
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]