Cho Sae-ho, denies gangster involvement: "not true" — threaten legal action while accuser releases wife photo
Broadcaster Cho Sae-ho directly addressed allegations of involvement with organized crime and strongly denied them. However, as the accuser released additional photos in response, the controversy has spread further.
On the 9th, Cho Sae-ho posted a long message on his SNS, saying, "I worried that lengthy explanations might rather cause discomfort, but I think it is my duty to the love you have shown me, so I will state my position." He referred to his past of meeting many people through local events and various activities, saying, "There were moments when I should have been more careful, but I was immature at the time," and "I deeply reflect on that point."
Nevertheless, he was firm about the core of the allegations. Cho Sae-ho said, "The allegations many people are worried about are not true at all," and apologized, saying, "I know that the photos alone caused disappointment. As someone who should bring laughter and comfort to viewers, I am truly sorry for causing discomfort."
He went on to say he had expressed his intention to voluntarily leave tvN's You Quiz on the Block and KBS2's 2 Days & 1 Night, bowing his head and saying, "I can only apologize to colleagues, staff and viewers." He added, "I have tried to build a family and become a better person, but I still feel I have many shortcomings," and said, "However, for parts that are not true, I plan to correct them through necessary procedures," thereby threatening legal action.
But the controversy did not subside after Cho Sae-ho's explanation. Accuser A rebutted online suspicions that Cho Sae-ho's side attempted a monetary settlement, posting again on SNS, "I never demanded money from anyone nor acted for remuneration."
A said, "I will not avoid legal action. I will make clear through a lawsuit any claims that differ from the facts," and stressed, "Even if there are personal disadvantages, I will reveal the matter to the end if it must be corrected." He also asserted, "This is not to slander a specific individual, but to act under the principle that if there is a problem it must be verified."
He warned, "I will not make unnecessary exposures or further remarks," but added, "If claims that differ from the facts are repeated or only one-sided legal measures are mentioned, I will respond at any time with verifiable evidence." He then released a blurred edited photo presumed to be of the Cho Sae-ho couple.
Earlier, A had warned at the time of the initial exposure, "I can release photos of a drinking party at Mr. Choi's house with my current wife before Cho Sae-ho's marriage," and it is being suggested that the blurred edited photo released this time may be that photo.
Cho Sae-ho's side drew a line regarding Mr. Choi, saying, "He is only a casual acquaintance met during an event, and there were no remunerative gifts or inappropriate relationship." Agency A2Z Entertainment also reiterated Cho Sae-ho's innocence, saying, "We will continue swift and tough legal action to resolve all misunderstandings."
[photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]