Cho Sae-ho, engulfed in allegations of ties to organized crime, has stepped down from all broadcasts, and You Quiz on the Block officially announced his departure on air. Yu Jae-seok also directly mentioned his absence.
On the 17th, the tvN You Quiz on the Block episode aired showing Yu Jae-seok leading the program alone without Cho Sae-ho.
That day Yu Jae-seok, seeing his own bag that was usually placed next to Cho Sae-ho now placed beside him, said, "Cho Sae-ho has left You Quiz on the Block because of this matter."
Earlier, Cho Sae-ho has been accused of maintaining a long-standing friendship with A, a ringleader of organized crime suspected of operating an illegal gambling site and money laundering. According to the whistleblower's claims, Cho Sae-ho received expensive gifts from A and formed a close relationship by promoting his franchises and other businesses.
In response, Cho Sae-ho's side said he was merely an acquaintance who met A at events and then declared a suspension of activities, saying, "Se-ho feels a deep sense of responsibility for the misunderstandings and controversies recently raised about him. He fully recognizes the discomfort felt by viewers who love the program. He also does not want the staff who make the program with sweat and tears to carry a burden because of the attention on him. After consulting with the program production team, he has decided to voluntarily withdraw."
Cho Sae-ho's side said, "Cho Sae-ho and his agency will respond more sternly to this matter. Legal measures to dispel the misunderstandings surrounding Cho Sae-ho and to restore his damaged image will be carried out more swiftly and firmly going forward. We promise to fully dispel all current suspicions and return in good health," saying they planned to resolve all misunderstandings and rumors before his return.
Afterward, the You Quiz on the Block recording proceeded with Yu Jae-seok alone without Cho Sae-ho, and beginning with the broadcast on the 17th, scenes of Yu Jae-seok conducting the show solo were revealed. Yu Jae-seok said, "I've been with him a long time, and now that I actually have to host You Quiz on the Block by myself today.." expressing a conflicted feeling.
However, Yu Jae-seok did not spare a bitter remark of affection toward Cho Sae-ho, saying, "As he said himself, I hope this becomes a useful time for him to reflect on himself once again."
[Photo] OSEN DB, broadcast capture
[OSEN]