Jo Se-ho. Yonhap News

Comedian Jo Se-ho will step down from the tvN variety show ‘You Quiz on the Block’ (hereafter ‘You Quiz’) and the KBS variety show ‘2 Days & 1 Night’.

A2Z Entertainment, his agency, issued an official statement on the 9th after unending calls for him to leave the programs he appears on, following allegations of ties to gangsters.

The agency stated, “Mr. Jo Se-ho will step down from tvN ‘You Quiz on the Block‘ and KBS 2TV ’2 Days & 1 Night‘,” adding, “Jo Se-ho hopes that the production staff, who create the programs with sweat and effort, will not have to carry a burden because of the attention directed at him. Accordingly, after consulting with the production staff, he decided to step down voluntarily.”

It continued, “Mr. Jo Se-ho and our agency intend to respond to this matter more sternly. Legal action to resolve the misunderstandings surrounding Jo Se-ho and to restore his damaged image will proceed more swiftly and firmly going forward,” and added, “We promise to fully dispel all suspicions that have been raised and to return in good health.”

It further emphasized, “As stated in our previous official position, Mr. Jo Se-ho has no connection whatsoever to the business of Mr. Choi, who is at the center of the allegations. We also once again clarify that the claim he received money or valuables from Mr. Choi for the purpose of business promotion is clearly not true.”

Lastly, the agency said, “Mr. Jo Se-ho is deeply grateful for the sincere concern and consolation from many people in light of this incident. He also considers the sharp criticism an opportunity for self-reflection and values it. He adds that he will strive to bring healthier laughter.”

Full statement from Jo Se-ho

Hello, this is A2Z Entertainment.

Mr. Jo Se-ho will step down from tvN ‘You Quiz on the Block‘ and KBS 2TV ’2 Days & 1 Night‘.

Mr. Jo Se-ho feels deep responsibility regarding the recent misunderstandings and controversies raised about him. First, he fully recognizes the discomfort felt by viewers who love these programs. He also hopes that the production staff, who create the programs with sweat and effort, will not have to carry a burden because of the attention directed at him. Accordingly, after consulting with the production staff, he decided to step down voluntarily.

Mr. Jo Se-ho and our agency intend to respond to this matter more sternly. Legal action to resolve the misunderstandings surrounding Jo Se-ho and to restore his damaged image will proceed more swiftly and firmly going forward. We promise to fully dispel all suspicions that have been raised and to return in good health.

As stated in our previous official position, Mr. Jo Se-ho has no connection whatsoever to the business of Mr. Choi, who is at the center of the allegations. We also once again clarify that the claim he received money or valuables from Mr. Choi for the purpose of business promotion is clearly not true.

Lastly, in light of this incident, Mr. Jo Se-ho is deeply grateful for the sincere concern and consolation from many people. He also considers the sharp criticism an opportunity for self-reflection and values it. He adds that he will strive to deliver healthier laughter. We ask for your unwavering support for Mr. Jo Se-ho’s path ahead.