Comedian Jo Se Ho shared his thoughts on the controversy surrounding alleged ties to organized crime during his return to Netflix’s 'Screwballs: The Rival (hereafter ‘Screwballs’).
The first episode of 'Screwballs: The Rival' was released on February 22nd KST. In the episode, cast members Hong Jin Kyung, Kim Sook, Joo Woo Jae, Jang Woo Young, and Jo Se Ho appeared dressed as singers and greeted viewers. The members expressed concern upon seeing Jo Se Ho, saying, “It’s been a while since we’ve seen you in person,” and asked about how he had been doing.
Jo Se Ho responded, “As I move forward in life, I will be more careful about the relationships around me.” Kim Sook advised him, “Then quit drinking,” while Joo Woo Jae added, “Cut back on outside gatherings and focus more on your family.”
Hong Jin Kyung also checked on him, asking, “Are you okay?” and Kim Sook said, “We were really worried about you.”
Bowing his head toward the camera, Jo Se Ho said, “I sincerely apologize for causing concern. Because this stemmed from carelessness in my relationships, I’ve taken this as an opportunity to reflect deeply.”
When Hong Jin Kyung commented, “We’ve been in this industry for decades, so our social circles are wide,” Joo Woo Jae candidly remarked, “You have to be selective. I trust you, but where does the real end and the fake begin?”
Hong Jin Kyung pressed further, asking, “Did you receive any money? Any financial ties? Any business involvement?” Jo Se Ho firmly replied, “I received nothing. Absolutely nothing.”
He went on to directly address the allegations, saying, “I’ve attended many events over the years, hosting regional events and weddings. That’s how I met this acquaintance. We occasionally check in and have meals together. There’s nothing more and nothing less.”
He added, “I’m not promoting any business or running anything. The restaurant in question belongs to a junior comedian.” Regarding his decision to step down from programs he had been appearing on, he explained, “Because of the photo from a drinking gathering, many people must have been shocked and felt uncomfortable or disappointed in me. I thought it was right to leave ‘2 Days & 1 Night’ and ‘You Quiz’.”
Last December, Jo Se Ho became embroiled in controversy after being linked to an individual identified as A, who was labeled as an organized crime figure. A whistleblower, B, released photos of Jo Se Ho drinking with A and claimed the two had been acquaintances for 10 years, alleging that A was involved in illegal activities.
In response, Jo Se Ho’s agency, A2Z Entertainment, stated that claims regarding close ties and the receipt of expensive gifts were “merely speculation by B and not true,” while acknowledging that Jo Se Ho and B were acquaintances to some extent.
SEE ALSO: Jo Se Ho gives update after variety show exits following latest controversy
SHARE
