A netizen identified as Mr. A, who had raised allegations that broadcaster Cho Sae-ho was involved with organized crime, posted additional photos and said he would not avoid legal action.
On the 10th, Mr. A wrote on his social account, "Recent disclosures I have made have generated a lot of attention and controversy. I accept both support and criticism with humility, but the purpose I intended to reveal was only one from beginning to end. It was to inform the public about illegal gambling problems and the resulting harm and to correct them."
Earlier, Mr. A had claimed that Cho Sae-ho had a special relationship with Choi, an influential organized crime figure suspected of operating illegal gambling sites and laundering funds. He alleged that Cho Sae-ho received expensive gifts from Choi and drank with him, and that he promoted a franchise run by a member of the organized crime group. He also presented photos showing intimate moments between Cho Sae-ho and Choi as evidence.
In response, Cho Sae-ho's side said in an official statement that Choi is merely an acquaintance met during events and broadcasting activities, and that allegations about receiving money or gifts are not true. Then Mr. A warned of additional revelations, saying, "I have received many tips about gambling money laundering, so I'll post about that once. Don't just keep saying you will keep suing my favorite comedian Cho Sae-ho; explain yourself manfully," and promised further disclosures.
Amid this, Cho Sae-ho said on the 9th that he would voluntarily leave the programs he was appearing on, tvN You Quiz on the Block and KBS2 2 Days & 1 Night (season 4). However, "Cho Sae-ho and his primary agency intend to respond to this matter more sternly. We will proceed more swiftly and firmly with legal action to clear up misunderstandings surrounding Cho Sae-ho and to restore his damaged image. We promise to completely dispel all current suspicions and return in a healthy condition. As stated in the earlier official position, Cho Sae-ho has no connection whatsoever to Choi's business. We also reiterate that the claim that he received money from Choi for business promotion is clearly not true," he reiterated, emphasizing that the controversy is baseless.
Mr. A said, "I judge that this decision to step down was by no means an easy choice, and I want to offer respect and applause for that decision," and added that he had confirmed the part where Cho Sae-ho said "he plans to correct parts that are not true through necessary procedures." He said he, too, has organized and kept various tips and materials, but if legal procedures proceed in the future, he believes they would only be reviewed within the necessary scope during that process. He warned that, seeing Cho Sae-ho's attitude and willingness to take responsibility in this matter, he plans to stop exposing materials and keep those related to Cho Sae-ho personally rather than sharing them externally.
However, suspicions later arose in some quarters that Mr. A had accepted money from Cho Sae-ho's side and reached a settlement, and Mr. A rebutted in this post, "I have never demanded money from anyone, and I have never been involved in any monetary offers or quid pro quo actions even once."
He also stressed, "I have confirmed that recently Cho Sae-ho and agency officials have mentioned legal action against me. My position on this is clear. I will not avoid any legal measures, and I will make clear through legal procedures any claims that are not true. Even if I have to endure disadvantages or concerns for my personal safety in this process, I will respond to the end to correct the facts."
He went on to say, "I did not act to slander or attack a specific individual. However, I have acted on the principle that if there is a problem, it should be verified and revealed. I will not make unnecessary additional exposures or statements about Cho Sae-ho going forward," but added, "If claims that differ from the facts are repeated regarding what I have raised or if only one-sided legal action is mentioned, I will respond at any time based on verifiable facts." He also uploaded a blurred photo that appeared to show Cho Sae-ho and his spouse.
At the time of the initial exposure, Mr. A said, "I have a photo of Cho Sae-ho introducing his current wife to Choi's house and having drinks before Cho's marriage," and said he would release the photo if Cho Sae-ho denied his friendship with Choi. Amid this, it is presumed that Mr. A released a blurred photo of Cho Sae-ho and his spouse as a warning message directed at Cho Sae-ho.
Meanwhile, on the 9th Cho Sae-ho posted a long message on his social account and said, "Having attended many local events over the years, I have met various people I did not know before. Each time, as someone who stands in front of the public, I should have been more careful in my relationships with those around me, but in my younger days I failed to handle those connections maturely. I deeply reflect on this. However, I want to say that the suspicions raised because of those connections are not true at all," offering an explanation and apology regarding the 'organized crime involvement' allegations.
Below is the full text of Mr. A's post.
Recent disclosures I have made have generated a lot of attention and controversy.
I accept both support and criticism with humility, but the purpose I intended to reveal was only one from beginning to end.
It was to inform the public about illegal gambling problems and the resulting harm and to correct them.
I raised issues based on facts confirmed in the process.
And I will say clearly once again.
I have never demanded money from anyone, and I have never been involved in any monetary offers or quid pro quo actions even once.
I have confirmed that recently Cho Sae-ho and agency officials have mentioned legal action against me.
My position on this is clear.
I will not avoid any legal measures, and I will make clear through legal procedures any claims that are not true.
Even if I have to endure disadvantages or concerns for my personal safety in this process,
I will respond to the end to correct the facts.
I did not act to slander or attack a specific individual.
However, I have acted on the principle that if there is a problem, it should be verified and revealed.
I will not make unnecessary additional exposures or statements about Cho Sae-ho going forward.
However, if claims that differ from the facts are repeated regarding what I have raised or
if only one-sided legal action is mentioned,
I will respond at any time based on verifiable facts.
And as for the matter related to Choi, who is identified as the central figure of an organization active in the Geochang area,
I inform you that I will respond to the end to reveal the facts.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]