Laughed off mention of 'gangster'… Yoo Byung-jae's remark draws renewed attention amid controversy over Cho Sae-ho
Comedian Cho Sae-ho has declared he will leave the variety show he was appearing on amid allegations of ties to organized crime, and a remark by Yoo Byung-jae that appeared on a past broadcast is being revisited. At the time the scene was consumed as a laugh point, but in light of the recent allegations it is being read with heavy significance.
Earlier, Cho Sae-ho faced allegations on an SNS account of friendship with organized crime figures, receiving expensive gifts, and involvement in franchise promotion. The post spread controversy by even revealing a photo of him hugging a specific person at what appeared to be an entertainment venue.
In this situation, a scene from a video uploaded in August 2022 on the YouTube channel 'Yoo Byung-jae' is drawing renewed attention. At the time Yoo Byung-jae and Cho Sae-ho were discussing MBTI tendencies (E type · I type). Yoo Byung-jae explained, "I find it very burdensome when someone I don't know is added right before the agreed time," and "it's not because I dislike people but because my introverted tendency makes it uncomfortable." Then Cho Sae-ho, perhaps feeling the remark was aimed at him, said, "It's a problem if you talk about me like that," and moved to address the situation.
The problematic moment came next. Yoo Byung-jae continued, "That has led to gaining good connections like Lee Dong-wook or Jung Jae-hyung hyungnim in some cases, but in cases where it's not like that, there are people who act like gangsters or…" Immediately after this remark, Cho Sae-ho responded with a straight face, "What are you talking about?" and an oddly awkward atmosphere ensued.
At the time it was taken as an entertainment situation and exaggerated expression, but when the recent allegations of organized crime involvement surfaced, the scene was 'exhumed' online. Netizens have reacted, "YouTube algorithm is the best," "It's striking how he straightens his face as soon as the gangster comment comes up," and "I didn't know then, but watching now it's strange."
Of course, it is difficult to infer specific facts from that video alone, and there is an interpretation that Yoo Byung-jae's remark was simply an example assuming a general situation. Yoo Byung-jae actually later clarified the nuance, explaining, "It's not that I dislike people, it's that new encounters are overwhelming for me."
Nevertheless, the phenomenon of past remarks being revived at the time a controversy erupts shows the sensitivity of public opinion. In particular, the fact that jokes or spontaneous lines in variety shows are increasingly reinterpreted in completely different contexts over time indicates that public scrutiny of celebrities' words and actions is becoming ever stricter.
Cho Sae-ho's side has said it will respond strongly to the allegations. His agency, A2Z Entertainment, called them "claims that differ from the facts" and warned of legal action over the spread of false information. The truth is expected to be determined through future investigations and legal decisions. But as the controversy drags on, moments once laughed off are receiving renewed attention.
[photo] OSEN DB, YouTube
[OSEN]