[OSEN=Kim Na-yeon] Comedian Jo Se-ho, embroiled in allegations of being involved with organized crime, will eventually leave all variety shows.
On the 9th, his agency A2Z Entertainment issued an official statement, saying, “Jo Se-ho will step down from tvN’s ‘You Quiz on the Block’ and KBS 2TV’s ‘2 Days & 1 Night’.
Previously, Jo Se-ho was caught up in suspicions of maintaining a long-standing friendship with Mr. Choi, a key figure in a gang suspected of operating an illegal gambling site and money laundering. According to an exposer, Jo Se-ho supposedly received lavish gifts from Mr. Choi and promoted his franchise, establishing a deep connection with him.
In response, Jo Se-ho’s agency, A2Z Entertainment, clarified in a statement that Mr. Choi was merely an acquaintance met during an event and that there were no inappropriate relationships or gifts exchanged for favors. Despite this explanation, viewers of ‘You Quiz’ and ‘2 Days & 1 Night’ demanded Jo Se-ho’s exit, and the ‘2 Days & 1 Night’ production team cautiously stated to OSEN, “The filming on the 5th and 6th proceeded normally,” while carefully monitoring the situation.
Amidst this, on the 9th, A2Z Entertainment announced Jo Se-ho’s departure from ‘You Quiz’ and ‘2 Days & 1 Night’ through a second official statement. The agency stated, “Jo Se-ho feels a deep sense of responsibility for the misunderstandings and controversies he is involved in. He is fully aware of the inconvenience felt by the audience who love these programs. He also wishes that the production team, who put in their efforts to create these shows, should not be burdened by the focus on him. After discussing with the production teams, he decided to step down voluntarily.”
The statement continued, “Jo Se-ho and our agency plan to respond more seriously to this issue. We intend to clarify the misunderstandings surrounding Jo Se-ho and restore his tarnished image through legal actions, which will be carried out more swiftly and firmly in the future. We promise to completely dispel current suspicions and return in a healthy state.”
The agency further reiterated, “As previously stated in our official position, Jo Se-ho has no connection to Mr. Choi’s business. Also, the claim that he accepted money or goods from Mr. Choi for the purpose of business promotion is clearly not true. Once again, we state this fact. Jo Se-ho is deeply grateful for the sincere concerns and encouragements he received from many people regarding this incident. He also regards the stern criticisms as an opportunity for self-reflection and holds them dear. He pledges to work harder to provide healthier laughter. We ask for your continued support for Jo Se-ho’s future endeavors.”
Below is the full official statement from A2Z Entertainment.
Hello, this is A2Z Entertainment.
Jo Se-ho will be stepping down from tvN’s ‘You Quiz on the Block’ and KBS 2TV’s ‘2 Days & 1 Night’.
Jo Se-ho feels a deep sense of responsibility for the misunderstandings and controversies surrounding him. He is fully aware of the inconvenience felt by the audience who love these programs. Furthermore, he wishes that the production teams, who work tirelessly to create the shows, should not be burdened by the focus on him. As such, after discussions with the production teams, he has decided to step down voluntarily.
Jo Se-ho and our agency plan to respond more gravely to this matter. We aim to resolve the misunderstandings surrounding Jo Se-ho and to restore his tarnished image through accelerated and determined legal actions. We promise to thoroughly dispel the present suspicions and return in good health.
As stated in our previous official position, Jo Se-ho has no connection to Mr. Choi’s business. Additionally, the claim that he accepted monetary or material benefits from Mr. Choi for business promotions is emphatically false.
Lastly, Jo Se-ho is deeply grateful for the genuine concerns and solace he has received from many people regarding this matter. He also treasures the stern criticisms as opportunities for introspection. Jo Se-ho assures you of his efforts to bring more wholesome laughter in the future and asks for your unwavering support for his upcoming endeavors.
/delight_me@osen.co.kr
[Photo] OSEN DB