As comedian Cho Sae-ho readies a return to TV via a Netflix show, the whistleblower who first raised allegations linking him to gang figures has escalated the dispute by posting additional drinking photos purportedly involving the star.
On Jan. 8, the operator of a crime tip channel, identified only as “A,” uploaded several images to social media that appear to show Cho out with acquaintances. A argued that, as a public figure who trades on influence and trust, Cho should avoid any relationships that could spark suspicion ― framing the photo dump as being in the public interest.
A also took aim at a person who has claimed a close connection to Cho, alleging the individual drives luxury foreign cars and wears watches worth hundreds of millions of won, has an entourage, and has treated celebrities to costly nights out. “How does it make sense for a famous figure to promote that person’s business, accept luxury gifts or sponsored high-end watches, and receive hospitality worth millions to tens of millions of won at upscale bars?” A wrote. The whistleblower further claimed that someone who had threatened to sue A fled to Dubai ― and that Cho’s comeback announcement coincided with that timing, calling it “hard to see as a coincidence.”
A said they halted disclosures when Cho stepped back from broadcasts and expressed remorse, but decided to resume after hearing he would be back on air roughly three weeks later. The exact timing and context of the newly released photos were not made clear.
Cho’s agency has denied the accusations, calling them “baseless speculation.” Cho also issued a statement acknowledging that frequent regional event appearances exposed him to many people and that, as a public figure, he should have exercised more caution in his interactions. He said he is reflecting deeply ― while stressing that the allegations stemming from those connections are “not true.”
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)