As comedian Jo Se Ho faces renewed scrutiny over recent allegations of gang associations, a past incident involving a fraud suspect he once introduced to broadcaster Kim Na Young has resurfaced online.
The story dates back to 2015, when Kim Na Young appeared as a single guest on KBS 2TV’s quiz show '1 vs. 100.' During the broadcast, she shared an anecdote about being set up on a blind date by Jo Se Ho with a non-celebrity man, identified as Mr. A.
At the time, an MC mentioned rumors that Jo Se Ho had feelings for Kim Na Young but decided to give up and arrange a blind date for her instead. Kim responded candidly, saying she sensed Jo Se Ho’s interest but that he was not her type, so she “cut it off cleanly.” She then recalled that Jo Se Ho quickly moved on and introduced her to a man working in the securities industry.
Kim Na Young went on to describe their first meeting, saying the date took place at a hotel lounge overlooking downtown Seoul, with Jo Se Ho, Nam Chang Hee, and two of her friends also present. She added that the man made a decent impression and even sent her morning messages every day.
However, the situation took a shocking turn just three weeks later. Kim revealed that the man appeared on the morning news after being arrested on fraud charges. Startled, she immediately contacted Jo Se Ho, who seemed equally shocked. Kim speculated that the man may not have been romantically interested in her at all, but instead approached her with investment-related intentions.
This episode was not entirely new to viewers. In 2014, Jo Se Ho had already addressed the incident himself on MBC’s variety show 'Three Wheels.' During that appearance, Kim Na Young described the man as someone Jo Se Ho had introduced as a “brother figure,” only for him to later be detained on fraud charges. She openly expressed her anger, saying she felt Jo Se Ho could no longer be trusted.
Jo Se Ho defended himself by explaining that the man had supported and encouraged him during difficult times by sharing personal advice and experiences. He admitted that everything he believed about the man later turned out to be false, and acknowledged that the arrest was indeed real.
The situation escalated further when veteran singer Yang Hee Eun reprimanded Jo Se Ho on the show, telling him she was disappointed and warning him that “there is no such thing as kindness without reason,” advising him to be more cautious in the future. Jo Se Ho ultimately knelt and apologized to Kim Na Young on air.
Meanwhile, Jo Se Ho has recently stepped down from his regular appearances on KBS 2TV’s '2 Days & 1 Night Season 4' and tvN’s 'You Quiz on the Block' following allegations of ties to organized crime figures. He has denied claims of receiving money or benefits, stating that the individuals in question were merely acquaintances.
As public attention intensifies, Jo Se Ho’s past controversies are once again drawing renewed attention alongside the ongoing investigation.
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