Cho Sae-ho’s camp is pushing back on online chatter linking the TV personality to an alleged organized crime figure, calling the claims unfounded speculation.
In a statement, A2Z Entertainment said a social media user identified only as “A” suggested on their own account that Cho was directly or indirectly involved in activities connected to a man referred to as Mr. Choi. “This is nothing more than the individual’s conjecture and is not true,” the agency said.
The company also rejected allegations that Cho accepted cash or luxury gifts from Mr. Choi, calling those claims “pure speculation” and unrelated to the facts.
A2Z added that it is reviewing both criminal and civil action over defamation and obstruction of business, warning it will take a zero-tolerance approach to baseless slander, malicious posts, and the spread of false rumors so its artist’s activities are not derailed by unfounded accusations.
Earlier, the user “A” posted that Cho was close with Mr. Choi, described as a key player in a regional syndicate and the alleged operator of an illegal gambling site. The user further claimed Cho received pricey gifts and helped promote Mr. Choi’s franchise. A photo of the two together at what appears to be a nightlife venue has circulated online, amplifying the controversy.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)