Shocking twist: Actor Cho Jin-woong (legal name Jo Won-joon) announced his retirement amid a firestorm over his past as a juvenile offender, and now a viral poster likening him to Admiral Yi Sun-sin is fueling a fierce second wave of controversy online.
Across multiple online communities and social platforms, a black poster featuring phrases like "We Are Woong," "Cho Jin-woong is Yi Sun-sin," "We Are Cho Jin-woong," and "Committee for Guaranteeing a Second Life" has been shared widely. Along both sides, lines such as "Let those without robbery or rape convictions cast the first stone" and "Live together, guarantee a second life" make it look like a full-on advocacy campaign.
At the center is a palm image reminiscent of independence activist Ahn Jung-geun, with silhouettes of a cheering crowd below. Red-and-blue circular graphics evoking the Taegeuk symbol flank the design, giving it the aesthetic of a massive social movement poster.
The poster has sharply divided opinion: Is it a genuine push to support Cho, or a cynical attempt to inflame public sentiment by mocking him?
Recent reports placed Cho at the center of controversy by revealing that he was sent to a juvenile facility in high school for serious crimes including car theft and robbery; that he was fined for assaulting a colleague during his theater troupe days; and that his driver's license was revoked for a DUI during a film shoot. Some outlets also alleged sexual assault was involved at the time, but Cho's side acknowledged "there were mistakes when he was a minor" while firmly denying "any involvement in sexual assault."
As the backlash spiraled, Cho announced his retirement on the 6th. Through his agency, he said, "I bow my head and apologize to everyone who believed in and supported me for being disappointed by my disgraceful past," adding, "I believe this is the responsibility and duty I must bear for my past wrongdoing." He continued, "I will humbly accept all criticism and, effective today, halt all activities and put a period on my acting career."
Cho's retirement is already triggering ripple effects on upcoming projects, including the tvN drama Du Beonjjae Signeol (romanized). Against this backdrop, the sudden appearance of the 'Cho Jin-woong as Admiral Yi' poster is pouring fuel on the fire around accountability and apology, stoking yet another public outcry.