With comedian Cho Sae-ho's return to broadcasting, controversy has reignited as the accuser who previously raised allegations of 'ties to organized crime' has come forward again.
The accuser, a person surnamed A, said on his social media on the 7th, "When Cho Sae-ho stepped down from all broadcasts and showed remorse, I did not make additional disclosures," and "But hearing about his return after about three weeks made me very angry," he said.
The accuser, a person surnamed A, regarding Mr. Choi, who has been mentioned as an acquaintance of Cho Sae-ho, claimed, "I heard that the person who threatened to file a complaint fled abroad," and "I find it difficult to understand why he made that choice." He continued, "After that point, Cho Sae-ho's return proceeded quickly," and said, "I wonder whether this whole sequence was truly a coincidence or a result that was coordinated in advance."
The accuser, a person surnamed A, added, "We cannot rule out the possibility that legal review was conducted through a major law firm after he stepped down," and "It is also hard to view as a coincidence that Mr. Choi's lawyer is with Kim & Chang."
However, the accuser, a person surnamed A, cautioned against emotional attacks, saying, "Personally, I do not dislike Cho Sae-ho." He noted, "A public figure has maintained ongoing ties with someone who could be socially problematic, and returning to the public eye before that relationship is clearly resolved makes it difficult to avoid moral criticism."
He added, "I am not saying he should reflect for three years. If Mr. Choi is punished, then I will not care whether he returns to broadcasting," and emphasized, "But I think the current return is wrong. He should know best. He needs to look up at the sky and see whether he has not a single thing to be ashamed of."
Earlier, immediately after news of Cho Sae-ho's return was reported, the accuser, a person surnamed A, raised the issue, asking, "Isn't he returning at a time when an acquaintance has gone abroad and investigations have become difficult?" and mentioned the possibility of releasing video filmed at Mr. Choi's home showing Cho Sae-ho and his spouse together, escalating the fallout.
When the allegations first arose, Cho Sae-ho bowed his head and said, "He was just an acquaintance I met at a local event and is unrelated to organized crime," and he voluntarily stepped down from all programs he was appearing on, including You Quiz on the Block and 2 Days & 1 Night season 4, declaring a halt to his activities. His agency also said, "All allegations are not true, and we will take legal action against false claims."
Later, speculation arose that his return process had begun after news emerged that he would appear on Screwballs season 4, and with the accuser's additional remarks, the controversy appears to be spreading again.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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