Some in the pro-government camp, including the Democratic Party of Korea, said it was "a shame" after actor Jo Jin-woong admitted to committing crimes as a teenager and announced retirement from the entertainment industry.
According to the political community on the 7th, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Won-i partially quoted Jo's retirement announcement on social media (SNS) and said, "How far, how, and until when should one be held responsible for mistakes made in adolescence?"
Kim also introduced a post by Anglican priest Song Kyung-yong urging Jo Jin-woong's return. Song wrote, "If someone receives due punishment for mistakes in childhood and lives with remorse, shouldn't we rather cheer that person on?"
Park Beom-kye of the same party also said, "The controversy over actor Jo Jin-woong's delinquency in youth is big," adding, "I was also startled." Park continued, "Is his current image, as formed among the public, so completely incompatible with the forgotten memories?"
Kim Sun-min of the Rebuilding Korea Party also wrote on SNS, "I respect personal choices, but every choice is reversible," adding, "As an unwavering fan, I really want to watch 'Signal 2.'"
Regarding the pro-government camp's stance seen as defending Jo Jin-woong, some say, "Isn't it because Jo Jin-woong showed a pro-government tilt?"
Earlier, in Aug., Jo Jin-woong watched the documentary film "Independence Army: The Unfinished War," for which he provided narration, together with President Lee Jae-myung. He also appeared on the pro-government-leaning broadcast "Kim Ou-joon's Humility Is Hard News Factory" to promote the film.