Comedian Jo Se-ho has flatly denied allegations that he is tied to organized crime, but calls for him to step down from his variety shows are gaining traction.
On Dec. 7, a post titled "Remove Jo Se-ho" appeared on the KBS Viewer Petition board. The petitioner wrote, "How can you link arms with a gangster, go on air, play games, and laugh like nothing's wrong?" adding, "Isn't this making a mockery of viewers?" If a petition gathers 1,000 or more signatures, KBS issues an official response. The petition closes on Jan. 6.
That same day, despite the uproar, Jo appeared without any special editing on KBS2's variety show 2 Days & 1 Night Season 4. He traveled to Andong in North Gyeongsang Province with the cast and took part in a "nobles vs. servants"-themed luck-of-the-draw game, looking business as usual on screen. Some viewers questioned whether it was appropriate to air the episode as is.
Critical comments also flooded the official social media for tvN's You Quiz on the Block. Users argued, "The show's tone doesn't match Jo Se-ho's image" and urged, "Stop hurting Yoo Jae-suk and bow out on your own."
The controversy began with a whistleblower identified as A, who posted photos of Jo linking arms or hugging a particular man. A claimed the man is a key figure in an organized-crime ring tied to illegal gambling sites and money laundering. A also alleged Jo promoted a franchise effectively owned by the man and received pricey gifts.
In response, his agency A2Z Entertainment dismissed the claims in an official statement: "They merely knew each other through events and the like. The idea that Jo was directly or indirectly involved in criminal activity is just the informant's speculation and is not true." The company added, "The allegation that he accepted cash or expensive gifts is also groundless," and said it is preparing strong civil and criminal action for defamation and interference based on the spread of false information.
Whistleblower A, however, vowed more revelations. A alleged Jo introduced the man at his home and had drinks there with his then-girlfriend, now wife, before they married, warning, "If he keeps insisting the man is just an acquaintance, I will release related photos." After temporarily taking down some posts, A wrote, "I'll re-upload once things are organized. Even if my account gets nuked, I won't back down," further stoking the furor.
As the issue snowballed, Jo set the comments section on his social media to private. Despite his agency's denial and legal warnings, the possibility of further disclosures and an active viewer petition have put Jo's future variety show appearances under intense scrutiny.