Jo Se-ho, Resigns from 'You Quiz' and '1 Night 2 Days'... "Gangster Involvement Rumors are Groundless"

Broadcaster Jo Se-ho (43) has decided to voluntarily resign from the entertainment programs he was regularly appearing on while claiming his innocence amidst allegations of involvement with organized crime.

His agency A2Z Entertainment stated in an official statement on the 9th, "Jo Se-ho will resign from all broadcasting programs including tvN 〈You Quiz on the Block〉 and KBS 2TV 〈1 Night 2 Days〉."

The agency explained, "Jo Se-ho feels a deep sense of responsibility for the misunderstandings and rumors that have recently arisen, and he is fully aware of the viewers' discomfort. He decided to voluntarily resign after consulting with the production team, hoping that the team, who works hard to create the program, would not feel burdened because of him."

However, they reiterated that the allegations of Jo Se-ho being directly or indirectly involved with organized crime and receiving expensive gifts are completely false. The agency stated, "Jo Se-ho is entirely unrelated to the organized crime group in question, and the claim that he received money and goods for business promotion is also clearly untrue."

They further emphasized, "Jo Se-ho and our agency intend to respond more seriously to this matter, and we will proceed with legal actions to resolve misunderstandings and restore his tarnished image more swiftly and firmly in the future."They also added, "We promise to completely dispel all current suspicions and return in a healthy manner."

Jo Se-ho also conveyed his position directly through SNS. He shared, "While attending various local events, I met many people I didn't know before. I couldn't maturely handle all those connections with my youthful mindset."

He continued, "The allegations raised due to those connections are completely unfounded," but acknowledged, "Of course, I am well aware that I disappointed many with my appearance in the photos. I deeply reflect and apologize once again."

Jo Se-ho stated, "I plan to correct the untrue parts through necessary procedures," and added, "In the future, I will manage my surroundings and actions more thoroughly to avoid causing disappointment again. I will strive to be a better person."

Meanwhile, the production team of KBS '1 Night 2 Days' also released an official statement announcing Jo Se-ho's voluntary resignation. The production team stated, "From the next recording, excluding the previously filmed segments, Jo Se-ho will not participate in the program," and "We have decided to respect the decision made after careful consideration by the cast and agency, and we hope that no one will be hurt in this process."They stated.

Previously, a revealing post mentioning Jo Se-ho appeared on SNS. A photo of Jo Se-ho with a man was posted, and the author of the post, A, claimed that the man is a key figure in an organized crime group operating various illegal gambling sites. They raised allegations that Jo Se-ho promoted the franchise run by the man and received expensive gifts, leading to the spread of controversy.

Jo Se-ho's side stated that these claims are groundless, but as public opinion worsened with petitions for his resignation appearing on the broadcasting station's viewer bulletin board, he ultimately decided to resign from the programs he was appearing on.Jo Se-ho debuted as a comedian in SBS's 6th open recruitment in 2001 and got married last October.