Actor Cho Jin-woong Addresses Juvenile Offense Allegations, Firmly Denies Sexual Assault Claims
Actor Cho Jin-woong Addresses Juvenile Offense Allegations, Firmly Denies Sexual Assault Claims
South Korean actor Cho Jin-woong has issued an official statement responding to resurfaced allegations involving his past as a minor. According to recent media reports, claims emerged that Cho had been involved in vehicle theft and other juvenile offenses during high school. Additional allegations—such as a past assault incident involving a theater colleague and a DUI record—also circulated online.
On January 5, Cho’s agency Saram Entertainment released a formal explanation acknowledging that “there were indeed mistakes during his youth.” However, the agency emphasized that sexual assault allegations linked to his teenage years were categorically untrue, clarifying that Cho had no involvement in such acts.
🔍 Agency Confirms Some Juvenile Misconduct, Denies Sexual Assault Accusation
In its official statement, the agency explained that while certain misconduct from Cho’s teenage years was confirmed, the events occurred over 30 years ago, making full verification difficult. Furthermore, all legal procedures related to the matters had long been concluded.
The agency stressed:
“We confirm that there were mistakes during his minor years. However, we clearly state that the actor had no connection whatsoever to the sexual assault allegations.”
Saram Entertainment also added that Cho feels deep regret for any lapses in judgment that occurred even after adulthood, and that he is reflecting seriously on the concerns raised by the public.
🙏 Apology to Those Affected and to Supporters
The statement continued:
“We sincerely apologize to anyone who may have been hurt by the actor’s past mistakes. We also express our apologies to fans who have supported Cho Jin-woong and may feel disappointed by these recent reports.”
The agency addressed another circulating claim suggesting that Cho began using his current stage name to hide his past. According to Saram Entertainment, Cho’s decision to use the name ‘Cho Jin-woong’, derived from his father’s name, was rooted in a personal commitment to become “a better and more responsible person,” rather than an attempt to conceal his history.
📰 Background: Media Reports and Additional Allegations
Earlier, entertainment outlet Dispatch reported that Cho had undergone a juvenile trial during his second year of high school. The report cited claims from a source alleging that Cho and his peers attempted sexual assault inside a stolen vehicle and that Cho spent part of his senior year at a correctional facility.
Saram Entertainment has denied the sexual assault allegation but stated it has “no additional comments beyond the official announcement.”
According to Korean media coverage, Cho has acknowledged certain other past issues—including an assault incident during his early career and a drunk-driving record—but maintains that the sexual assault claim is false.
🎬 Cho Jin-woong’s Career and Public Recognition
Cho Jin-woong debuted in 2004 with the film “Once Upon a Time in High School” and has since become one of South Korea’s most respected actors. He gained wide recognition through:
-
“Assassination”
-
“Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time”
-
“Signal”
His versatile acting and strong screen presence have earned praise from audiences and industry professionals alike.
📄 Full Official Statement from Saram Entertainment (Summary Version)
-
Cho acknowledges certain mistakes made during his minor years.
-
Full details are difficult to reconstruct due to the long passage of time (30+ years).
-
All related legal procedures are already finalized.
-
The actor had no involvement in any sexual assault-related actions.
-
Cho regrets lapses in judgment that occurred even in adulthood.
-
The actor apologizes to anyone harmed and to fans who feel disappointed.
-
His stage name was chosen not to hide his past, but as a personal commitment toward self-improvement.
Comments
Post a Comment