Comedian Lee Jin Ho, who confessed to illegal gambling, will step down from JTBC’s variety show 'Knowing Bros.'

On October 14, a representative from 'Knowing Bros' told Ilgan Sports, “Lee Jin Ho will be stepping down starting from this week's filming. We plan to edit out as much of the pre-recorded content as possible before broadcasting.”

Earlier that day, Lee Jin Ho posted a lengthy apology on his social media, starting with, “I’m sorry. I’m writing this post to confess a shameful past that stems from my poor judgment.”

He admitted, “In 2020, I started playing games on an illegal online gambling site by chance, and I ended up with an unbearable amount of debt. With stern advice from my acquaintances and the fear that I might not be able to do the job I love again, I was able to finally stop gambling, but by that time, I had already received financial help from many people.”

He continued, “I’ve been consistently paying off the debt every month, and I intend to fully repay it on my own, even if it takes until the day I die. Whenever I received a call from an unknown number, my heart would race, fearing it was about my debt. I lived in constant fear, wondering when this news would come out.”

He added, “As a public figure, I deeply regret ruining my past with a moment of poor judgment. Although I may not become a person who can serve as a role model for others, I will at least work hard to live without being criticized or judged. I will fully cooperate with the police investigation and take responsibility for my wrongdoing.”

Meanwhile, Lee Jin Ho joined the permanent cast of 'Knowing Bros' in 2021.

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