SNS capture

The agency of broadcaster Jo Se-Ho stated that allegations linking him to an organized crime group are groundless.

On the 4th, a representative of A2Z Entertainment, the agency for Jo Se-Ho, addressed allegations rapidly spreading in online communities that Jo promoted a franchise operated by an organized crime group and received expensive gifts, saying, “We have assessed the situation, and Jo and Mr. Choi are merely acquaintances; claims that he received gifts and the like are groundless.” The agency explained that it is preparing a response to protect the artist.

Previously, an Instagram account that collects tips on various illegal offenders posted, “Entertainer Jo Se-Ho, reflect on your actions. Using the excuse of being acquaintances, you constantly accept expensive gifts, promote a franchise operated by a member of an organized crime group, and often spend time with Mr. Choi, a leading figure in the largest violent organization in the Geochang area, drinking and receiving expensive giftscan a national comedian behave like that?” and released a photo that appears to show Mr. Choi and Jo Se-Ho hugging at what looks like a nightlife establishment.

Through the post, the account operator asserted, “Mr. Choi is a criminal. He operates various illegal gambling sites and launders gambling funds, and in Korea he launders illegal money through various legitimate businesses“ while saying, ”Please explain this post. Gambling is a crime that sickens and ruins society“ the account claimed.

When no explanation came from Jo Se-Ho, on the 1st of this month the account once again uploaded a photo of Mr. Choi and Jo Se-Ho and demanded an explanation, and when the post was deleted, on the 4th of this month the same account stated through its story, “Posts keep getting deleted. If you offer no explanation and only delete posts, what are we supposed to do, Mr. Jo Se-Ho?” while requesting a statement from Jo Se-Ho.

Meanwhile, Jo Se-Ho debuted in 2001 as a comedian through SBS Class 6 open recruitment and is currently appearing with comedian Yoo Jae-Seok on tvN ‘You Quiz on the Block’, and on KBS 2TV ‘2 Days & 1 Night’, among others.

SNS capture

SNS capture