'Alleged gang ties' halted activities of Cho Sae-ho…colleagues' support splits public opinion: 'request to return' vs 'appearance is uncomfortable'
Comedian Cho Sae-ho has stepped down from all broadcasts and suspended activities amid the 'alleged gang ties' controversy, and fellow entertainers have been pressing 'like' on his apology post to show support. However, among viewers there are opposing reactions: voices calling for Cho Sae-ho's return to broadcasting and comments saying "because the controversy is large, appearances are uncomfortable."
# apology of more than 1,300 characters…"the allegations are not true," his direct explanation
Cho Sae-ho published a long apology on his social media on the 9th. He said, "I sincerely apologize for disappointing many people," and added, "I struggled a lot with what to say."
Cho Sae-ho mentioned that he has attended local events and met various people, saying, "I should have been more careful at the time, but with a youthful mindset I did not respond maturely," expressing regret. He also emphasized, "The raised allegations are not true at all."
He voluntarily withdrew from tvN You Quiz on the Block and KBS2 2 Days & 1 Night, effectively deciding to suspend activities. Saying, "I cannot cause inconvenience," Cho Sae-ho mentioned responsibility and added, "I will become a better person."
#. Colleagues show solidarity with 'likes'…Yoon Jong-shin·DinDin·Jang Sung-kyu·Sayuri and others show support
When the apology post went up, fellow entertainers repeatedly pressed 'like' to encourage Cho Sae-ho.
Yoon Jong-shin, DinDin, KCM, Jang Sung-kyu, Sayuri, Shin Ah-young, actress Ji Ye-eun, Kim Ki-bang, comedians Son Heon-su·Yoon Hyung-bin, KOYOTE's Baekga and entertainers from various fields reacted to Cho Sae-ho's post.
In particular, DinDin, who worked with him on 2 Days & 1 Night, seems to view this incident with greater sorrow as a program colleague.
#. Viewer board shows request to return vs "uncomfortable" opposing reactions
Some viewers are showing sympathy toward Cho Sae-ho. On the KBS viewer petition board a post titled "Request for Cho Sae-ho's return to 2 Days & 1 Night" was posted. The petitioner argued, "Deciding to step down before the truth is revealed was a hasty action," and said, "It is also disrespectful to viewers who have loved the program until now."
They added, "We must uphold the presumption of innocence," and requested, "Please have the production protect the performer until the truth is clarified."
On the opposite side of public opinion, there are voices saying, "appearances are uncomfortable." On online communities and social media, reactions including the following are not uncommon: "It is uncomfortable to see him on broadcasts until the allegations are completely resolved.", "I think stepping down was an inevitable decision." "Seeing a celebrity at the center of controversy on a program meant to give laughs is uncomfortable."
Especially as allegations spread that person A in photos taken with Cho Sae-ho is a key organized crime figure, many have said they prefer to watch the explanation of the allegations carefully.
Amid both sides of public opinion, ultimately the core is the 'investigation results.' The agency announced a firm response, saying, "He was merely an acquaintance; there is no transactional relationship," but with Cho Sae-ho stepping away from broadcasts, public opinion is unlikely to settle easily for the time being.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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