Broadcaster Cho Sae-ho directly spoke out about allegations of gang involvement.
On the 9th, Cho Sae-ho posted a long message on his social account saying, "I was worried that lengthy explanations might rather make people more uncomfortable, but I thought it was my duty toward the love you have shown me, so I want to convey my feelings and position directly," and explained his stance on the gang involvement allegations.
Cho Sae-ho recalled, "Because I have long traveled to various local events, I met many people I didn't know before. Each time that happened, as someone who appears before the public I should have been more careful about my relationships with people around me, but in my younger state of mind I failed to handle all those connections maturely. I deeply reflect on that."
He explained, "However, I want to say that the suspicions raised because of those connections are completely untrue, contrary to many people's worries. Of course, I understand well that the appearance shown in the photos themselves caused disappointment. I was supposed to give viewers laughter and comfort, but instead caused discomfort and disappointment, and I deeply reflect on and apologize for that again."
He said, "Going through this, I reflected on whether it is appropriate for me to continue on the programs I am in," and announced that he had expressed his intention to voluntarily leave tvN's You Quiz on the Block and KBS2's 2 Days & 1 Night. He bowed his head saying, "I am only sorry to the members, staff and viewers who trusted and worked with me."
He also warned of legal action over false claims, saying, "Last year I got married and formed a family and have been trying to become a better person, but this incident has made me deeply feel that there are still many shortcomings. Nevertheless, for my family whom I must protect, I plan to correct untrue parts through the necessary procedures."
Finally, he added, "From now on I will more thoroughly manage my surroundings and actions so as not to cause the same disappointment. I will use this incident as an opportunity for deep reflection and strive to greet you again in a more mature form. I will become a good person. I apologize deeply once again."
Meanwhile, on the 4th, a netizen A raised allegations of Cho Sae-ho's gang involvement through a social account. The claim was that Cho Sae-ho has had a long-standing relationship with Choi, a mob boss who is accused of running illegal gambling sites and money laundering. A claimed that Cho Sae-ho received expensive gifts from Choi, drank with him, and promoted a franchise operated by a member of the organized crime group.
In response, Cho Sae-ho's side rebutted that because he meets many people through various events and broadcasting activities, Choi was merely an acquaintance met in that process and "there were no remunerative gifts or inappropriate relations." Afterward A posted that more revelations would follow, and on the 9th Cho Sae-ho's agency A2Z Entertainment announced his voluntary departure from You Quiz and 2 Days & 1 Night. The agency reiterated his innocence, saying, "We will resolve misunderstandings surrounding Cho Sae-ho and will proceed with legal action to restore his damaged image more swiftly and firmly in the future. We promise to completely dispel all currently raised suspicions and return in a healthy state."
Below is the full text of Cho Sae-ho's post.
Hello, this is Cho Sae-ho.
First, I sincerely apologize for causing disappointment to many people because of recent events.
Thinking about how great the disappointment must have been for those who have liked and supported me for a long time made me ponder what I should say.
I was worried that lengthy explanations might rather make people more uncomfortable, but I thought it was my duty toward the love you have shown me, so I want to convey my feelings and position directly.
Because I have long traveled to various local events, I met many people I didn't know before.
Each time that happened, as someone who appears before the public I should have been more careful about my relationships with people around me, but in my younger state of mind I failed to handle all those connections maturely. I deeply reflect on that.
However, I want to say that the suspicions raised because of those connections are completely untrue, contrary to many people's worries.
Of course, I understand well that the appearance shown in the photos themselves caused disappointment.
I was supposed to give viewers laughter and comfort, but instead caused discomfort and disappointment, and I deeply reflect on and apologize for that again.
Going through this, I reflected on whether it is appropriate for me to continue on the programs I am in.
You Quiz on the Block is a program where listening carefully to guests' stories and empathizing is most important.
I judged that in my current state I would not be able to fully fulfill that role.
Also, 2 Days & 1 Night is an important entertainment program of public broadcaster KBS, and considering it could place unnecessary burden on the program and the entire team, after much deliberation I informed production that I intended to leave both programs.
I am only sorry to the members, staff and viewers who trusted and worked with me.
Last year I got married and formed a family and have been trying to become a better person, but this incident has made me deeply feel that there are still many shortcomings.
Nevertheless, for my family whom I must protect, I plan to correct untrue parts through the necessary procedures.
From now on I will more thoroughly manage my surroundings and actions so as not to cause the same disappointment.
I will use this incident as an opportunity for deep reflection and strive to greet you again in a more mature form.
I will become a good person.
I apologize deeply once again.
Sincerely, [Photo] OSEN DB [OSEN]