Jo Se Ho is facing a wave of online allegations linking him to an individual accused of operating illegal businesses and engaging in money laundering. The claims were posted by an Instagram account known for sharing anonymous reports related to alleged illegal lending, financial fraud, and other criminal activities.
On November 29, the account uploaded a photo of Jo Se Ho promoting a restaurant franchise that the poster asserted is “effectively owned” by an individual identified as Mr. Choi, whom the poster described as the leader of a regional organized-crime group. The caption suggested that Jo Se Ho frequently visited the establishment.
In another post shared the same day, the user alleged that Jo Se Ho had accepted high-value gifts from acquaintances associated with organized crime and had promoted the franchise despite its purported connections.
The post included a photo showing Jo Se Ho and Mr. Choi together at what appeared to be an entertainment venue. The caption questioned whether “a national comedian should be drinking, receiving expensive gifts, and promoting a franchise allegedly operated by members of an organized-crime group.”
The Instagram account further asserted that Mr. Choi is involved in operating illegal gambling sites and laundering gambling proceeds through legitimate businesses in Korea. The user demanded clarification from Jo Se Ho, stating that “illegal gambling harms and destabilizes society.”
After no response was issued by Jo Se Ho, the account renewed its call for an explanation on December 1, posting additional photos said to show Jo Se Ho and Mr. Choi together over several years. The caption asked Jo Se Ho to clarify “his relationship with the alleged head of a major illegal money-laundering network.”
On December 4, the user claimed that previous posts were repeatedly removed, writing through Instagram Stories: “The posts keep getting deleted. How can you delete the posts but not explain, Jo Se Ho?”
Jo Se Ho’s agency, A2Z Entertainment, has denied the claims, stating that the allegations are not true and adding that the company is “preparing an official statement.”
Born on August 9, 1982, Jo Se Ho debuted in 2001 as part of the sixth class of comedians recruited by SBS. He has been a fixed cast member of tvN’s popular variety program 'You Quiz on the Block' since August 2018, co-hosting alongside Yoo Jae Suk.
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