Media outlet 'Dispatch' has raised allegations that actor Cho Jin Woong (49) discreetly covered up his controversial past as a youth criminal sent to a juvenile detention center, by changing his name and birthday, and building a positive image through his acting roles.
According to an exclusive 'Dispatch' report on December 5 KST, Cho Jin Woong "was a delinquent" in school. He went around causing trouble with his crew of delinquents, particularly hijacking cars.
Several informants told the media outlet, "That group stole cars that had the keys still in the ignition. They drove those stolen cars around and committed all kinds of crimes."
Through research, 'Dispatch' discovered that Cho Jin Woong was in fact tried at court for robbery and attempted rape in his second year of high school. According to an informant who knew of the incident, "Cho Jin Woong and his crew tried to rape someone in a stolen car. They were all sent to a juvenile detention center for it. Cho Jin Woong spent half a year in juvie in his third year of high school."
Later, in 2003, after beginning his career in theater, Cho Jin Woong violently assaulted one of his troupe members while under the influence of alcohol. He was indicted for assault, resulting in a fine. A year later in 2004, the same year that he debuted as a screen actor, Cho Jin Woong was caught driving under the influence and had his license revoked.
Cho Jin Woong was, in fact, born with the name Cho Won Joon. He was born on April 6, 1976. However, he celebrates his birthday on March 3, 1976, instead. He also changed his name to Cho Jin Woong, which is his father's name, when he began his screen acting career.
Previously, commenting on his decision to use his father's name instead of his own, Cho Jin Woong said, "I transitioned to a career in screen acting after doing theater. So I wanted it to be a turning point." However, his informants suspected that the name change was actually to cover up his controversial past.
Earlier this year, on August 15, Cho Jin Woong spoke as a guest at a televised celebration of the 80th anniversary of Korea's Liberation Day. In his address, he said, "In front of our proud national flag, I solemnly swear that I will devote my loyalty to the eternal glory of a free and just Republic of Korea."
The informants who knew of Cho Jin Woong's past and who were even victimized by his group were shocked to see the actor playing the "patriot" at a national-scale celebration. One informant explained, "He was a criminal and an assailant who bullied the weak. But by playing the role of a just cop, he gained an honorable, respectable image. He recently even portrayed the role of an independence fighter. How will his victims feel? Even now, he should reflect on his past."
Meanwhile, Cho Jin Woong has played roles associated with the law and justice in productions like 'Signal', 'Les Formidables', 'Perfect Number', 'Believer', 'Me and Me', and 'The Policeman's Lineage'.
In response to the 'Dispatch' allegations, Cho Jin Woong's agency has commented, "We will release an official statement as soon as the details are confirmed."
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