A controversial poster comparing actor Cho Jin Woong who recently announced his retirement from the entertainment industry due to his past as a juvenile offender, to Admiral Yi Sun Sin is spreading across online communities and sparking intense backlash.
On December 9, posts featuring the phrase “Cho Jin Woong is Yi Sun Sin” circulated rapidly. The poster includes side captions reading “Let only those without robbery or rape convictions cast the first stone” and “A shared life, guarantee a second chance,” along with a central handprint image reminiscent of independence activist Ahn Jung Geun.
The lower section features silhouettes of a crowd, creating the feel of a public campaign, while a red and blue circular graphic evokes the Taeguk symbol.
As the poster gained traction, criticism mounted online. Netizens reacted sharply, writing, “This crosses the line by invoking Admiral Yi Sun Sin,” “Turning someone with a criminal record into a hero is practically secondary harm,” “This is a matter of apology and accountability and materials like this only fuel public outrage,” and “Whoever made this is completely out of touch with public sentiment.”
Earlier, Cho Jin Woong acknowledged parts of the allegations that he was involved in car theft and other incidents during high school and subsequently announced his retirement. However, he strongly denied allegations of sexual assault, while additional claims surfaced accusing him of assaulting a junior during his theater troupe days.
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