A legal battle over reporters who revealed actor Jo Jin-woong's juvenile record has escalated to a full-fledged police investigation. The case, filed against two Dispatch journalists who first broke the story, has been assigned to the Seoul Metropolitan Police, sparking intense debate.
On December 16, police confirmed that the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Anti-Corruption and Public Crimes Investigation Unit has begun reviewing the facts after receiving a case accusing two Dispatch reporters of violating the Juvenile Act. The complaint, submitted on December 7 via the national e-People portal by attorney Kim Kyung-ho of Hoin Law Firm, cites a violation of Article 70 of the Juvenile Act as the central issue.
Article 70 stipulates that, except when legally necessary for trial or investigation, agencies handling juvenile protection cases must not provide case details for external inquiry. Violations can result in up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won. Attorney Kim argues the Dispatch reporters obtained and reported information tied to a juvenile protection case during their newsgathering, directly breaching the law.
The controversial report was first published on December 5. Dispatch claimed that during his teens, Jo was involved in serious crimes including vehicle theft and sexual assault, received a juvenile protection disposition, and was sent to a juvenile facility. The outlet further detailed alleged ties with a delinquent group in school, an assault case and fine from his early, unknown acting days as an adult, and a past DUI that led to his license being revoked.
In response, Jo Jin-woong issued a statement acknowledging parts of the report. "It's true I made wrongful choices as a minor," he said. "I sincerely apologize for deeply disappointing those who trusted and supported me." He denied the sexual assault allegation. Jo added he would "humbly accept all criticism," announced his retirement from the entertainment industry, and halted all activities.
Police plan to question the complainant soon and then launch a full investigation focused on how the reporters obtained the information and the overall reporting process.