"You don't need that many people"... Lee Kyung-sil's pointed remark resurfaces amid controversy over Cho Sae-ho
Broadcaster Cho Sae-ho directly denied allegations of ties to organized crime, and attention has returned to a past "pointed piece of advice" comedian Lee Kyung-sil gave him. Cho Sae-ho's own stance has also drawn notice.
Lee Kyung-sil appeared on the October episode of tvN You Quiz on the Block and candidly expressed her views about Cho Sae-ho's wedding, which had drawn attention for its enormous number of guests. She turned to MC Cho Sae-ho and said, "I've never seen such a crowded wedding," then added, "You don't need that many people in your life," which stirred the studio.
Recalling Cho Sae-ho's wedding, Lee Kyung-sil said, "Even for the group photo there were five parts," and offered the weighty advice of an elder: "Let's see how many people you'll have left later." Cho Hye-ryun soothed the mood by asking, "Sister, what's wrong?" and Lee Kyung-sil elicited laughs with a gesture of sympathy as she clasped the hand of Yu Jae-seok, who was beside her. She added at the end, "That's how it is when you live."
At the time it passed as advice delivered amid laughter, but as analyses suggested Cho Sae-ho's image as a person with wide connections may have influenced the recent allegations of ties to organized crime, Lee Kyung-sil's remarks are being recalled.
Cho Sae-ho held his wedding on Oct. 21 last year at a location in Seoul with a bride nine years his junior who had been a model. At the time it was widely reported that about 900 guests attended, drawing major attention.
Meanwhile, a recent social media account raised suspicions surrounding Cho Sae-ho. The account claimed Cho Sae-ho maintained a friendship with Mr. Choi, who has been pointed out as an influential organized crime figure accused of operating illegal gambling sites and money laundering, received expensive gifts from him, and promoted a franchise the individual ran.
As the fallout grew, Cho Sae-ho's agency A2Z Entertainment said, "Mr. Choi is merely an acquaintance we became acquainted with through various events and broadcasting activities," and "There were absolutely no paid gifts or inappropriate relationships," offering an explanation. The agency also warned it would take strong legal action against the spread of false information.
Cho Sae-ho himself posted a long message on his social media on the 9th and spoke directly. He said, "I met various people while attending regional events, and as someone who stands before the public I should have been more careful about my relationships," and added, "I deeply reflect on not having handled things maturely when I was younger."
However, he clearly denied the allegations of ties to organized crime and suspicions of receiving money or gifts, saying, "The allegations raised because of that connection are not true at all, contrary to what many people are worried about." He apologized, saying, "It is certainly my fault for disappointing people based only on how I appeared in photos."
Cho Sae-ho voluntarily stepped down from tvN You Quiz on the Block and KBS2 2 Days & 1 Night amid the controversy. He said, "I reflected on whether it is right to continue causing harm to the programs I was in charge of," and bowed his head, saying, "I am sorry to the members, staff and viewers who supported me." He added, "Since my marriage I have tried to be a better person as the head of a household, but I still feel lacking," and said he would pursue legal measures to correct untrue aspects through the necessary procedures.
Meanwhile, Lee Kyung-sil's past remarks are being reinterpreted not as mere jokes but as advice that reminds people to be cautious in relationships. The message "Just because there are many people doesn't mean they're all on your side" is being seen as carrying more weight in light of Cho Sae-ho's current situation.
[Photo] OSEN DB, You Quiz
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