[Official] Jo Se-ho Addresses ‘Gang Association Suspicion’… “Met People at Local Events, Should Have Been More Careful” (Full Statement)
[Sports Chosun Reporter Jung Bit] Broadcaster Jo Se-ho, who was implicated in suspicions of gang involvement, has directly conveyed his position.
On the 9th, Jo Se-ho posted a lengthy message on his SNS, stating, “I was concerned that a detailed explanation might cause more discomfort, but I felt it was my duty to those who have shown me love, so I decided to directly express my thoughts and stance.”
Acknowledging his inexperience in managing relationships with various people he met during local events, Jo Se-ho strongly denied the allegations that arose from those connections, saying, “The suspicions that many are worried about are not true at all.”
He continued, “I am aware that the appearances in the photos caused disappointment. I should bring laughter and comfort to the viewers, but instead, I made them feel uneasy and disappointed, for which I deeply reflect and apologize once again.”
As a result of this controversy, Jo Se-ho voluntarily stepped down from tvN’s ‘You Quiz on the Block’ and KBS2’s ‘2 Days & 1 Night’. Jo Se-ho explained, “‘You Quiz’ is a program where it’s important to listen to the guests’ stories carefully, but I judged it difficult to fulfill that role in my current state,” and “‘2 Days & 1 Night’ is also a significant program on public broadcaster KBS, so I conveyed my intention to step down, considering the unnecessary burden it could place on the program and the entire team.”
He further stated, “After getting married last year and starting a family, I have been striving to become a better person, but I feel inadequate.” He also hinted at legal action, saying, “For the sake of the family I must take responsibility for, I plan to correct the false aspects through necessary procedures.”
Finally, he concluded, “I will thoroughly manage my surroundings and actions to prevent causing similar disappointment in the future. I will become a better person. I sincerely apologize once again.”
Earlier, an SNS account claimed that Jo Se-ho had a long-standing relationship with Mr. Choi, a gang member facing charges of illegal gambling and money laundering, and that he received expensive gifts and socialized at nightlife establishments. Jo Se-ho’s side responded, “There have been no quid pro quo gifts or inappropriate relationships,” and announced plans to proceed with quick and strong legal actions to restore his tarnished image.
Following is the full statement from Jo Se-ho:
Hello, this is Jo Se-ho.
First, I sincerely apologize for disappointing many people over the recent issue.
When I think about how big of a disappointment this must have been to those who’ve liked and supported me for a long time, I was very worried about what to say.
I was concerned that a detailed explanation might cause more discomfort, but I felt that it was my duty to those who have shown me love to directly express my thoughts and stance.
Having attended various local events, I’ve met diverse people whom I didn’t know before.
Every time, I should have been more cautious about my relationships as someone who stands before the public, but in my younger days, it seems I was unable to maturely handle all those relationships. I deeply reflect on this.
However, I want to make it clear that the suspicions that many are worried about regarding those connections are not true at all.
I am well aware that the appearances in the photos caused disappointment.
I should bring laughter and comfort to viewers, but instead, I made them feel uneasy and disappointed, for which I deeply reflect and apologize once again.
Experiencing this incident, I have reconsidered whether it is right for me to remain in the programs I am currently involved in.
Listening attentively and empathizing with the guests’ stories is the core of ‘You Quiz on the Block’.
I judged that in my current state, I could not fulfill that role sufficiently.
Likewise, since ‘2 Days & 1 Night’ is an important entertainment program of the public broadcaster KBS, I thought that continuing could place unnecessary burdens on the program and the whole team. After much deliberation, I submitted my intention to withdraw from both programs to the production team.
I feel nothing but sorry for the members, staff, and viewers who have trusted and been with me.
After getting married last year and starting a family, I have tried to become a better person, but this incident made me realize that I still have many shortcomings.
Nevertheless, for the sake of my family for whom I am responsible, I plan to rectify the non-factual parts through necessary procedures.
I will thoroughly manage my surroundings and actions to prevent similar disappointments in the future.
I will use this event as an opportunity for deep reflection, striving to return as a more mature person.
I will become a better person.
I sincerely apologize once again.
With sincerity,
Jo Se-ho
Reporter Jung Bit [email protected]