Comedian Jo Se Ho is set to return to television through a new season of 'SCREWBALLS,' marking his first public activity following a temporary suspension amid controversy.
On December 31, a representative from Netflix’s variety show 'SCREWBALLS' told OSEN, “Both the cast and production team are diligently preparing for the new season. Jo Se Ho will also be joining the upcoming season alongside 'SCREWBALLS' continuing from the previous season.” The statement confirmed his participation in the show’s next installment.
'SCREWBALLS' is a variety program that humorously portrays the joys and sorrows of life through the lens of the top 99 percent of so called elites attempting to assemble their lives without screws. The show is helmed by producer Park In Seok, who previously led KBS2’s 'Beat Coin.' The cast includes Kim Sook, Hong Jin Kyung, Jo Se Ho, Joo Woo Jae, and 2PM’s Jang Wooyoung, all of whom also worked together on 'Beat Coin.'
The program has so far aired three seasons: season one 'Screwballs: Driver: In Search of Lost Screws,' season two 'SCREWBALLS: Finding the Lost Handle,' and season three 'SCREWBALLS: Doraiver Dismantling Show.' With season four now in preparation, Jo Se Ho’s continued involvement has drawn attention, particularly given his recent hiatus.
Jo Se Ho announced a suspension of activities on December 9 after being embroiled in allegations raised by a netizen regarding alleged ties to organized crime. The post claimed that a man identified as Choi, described as a key figure in a regional criminal organization in Geochang, was involved in operating illegal online gambling sites and laundering funds, and that Jo Se Ho maintained a close relationship with him. The allegations further claimed that Jo Se Ho promoted Choi’s franchise restaurant, received expensive gifts in return, and shared a close personal relationship involving their spouses.
Jo Se Ho’s agency initially denied the claims, stating that Choi was merely an acquaintance met through a local event and that all allegations of compensation were completely unfounded. However, as additional disclosures were suggested, Jo Se Ho issued a public apology and announced a pause in his broadcast activities. He also stated that legal action would continue against malicious comments and false claims.
Less than a month later, news of Jo Se Ho’s return to a new program surfaced. After stepping down from all of his ongoing shows, including '1 Night 2 Days Season 4' and 'You Quiz on the Block,' his swift return through 'SCREWBALLS 4' has become a focal point of public attention.
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