On October 4th, Jo appeared as a guest on the YouTube channel 'Kim Hyun-wook's News, Not a Drink' in a video titled "Life Ruined by Stocks... The Man Who Lost 56 Billion Won, Shocking Update."
During the broadcast, Jo shared his current situation, stating, "I don't have much work these days. Do we always have to show that everyone is living well and happily? It would be great to have a program that highlights celebrities who are genuinely struggling and helps them find their footing. I hope 'News, Not a Drink' becomes a truthful program."
Discussing his financial woes, Jo revealed, "Do you know how much money I've lent out? I've lent 3.5 billion won and haven't been able to get it back. I'm such a fool. But I believe I'll eventually get it back. I think about those who borrowed money from me when I go to bed at night. I pray for their success."
Host Kim Hyun-wook expressed his disbelief, saying, "It says here that you've lost 2.1 billion won. Does that total 5.6 billion won when you include the money you've lent?" Jo responded, "There are so many people asking to borrow money. It's driving me crazy. That's why I have no money."
Jo has been heavily involved in stock investments throughout his life, but the results have been disastrous. He recalled, "I once had 2.5 billion won in my account, but now only 450 million won remains. I should have bought land instead. I started with 20 million won in stocks and made 10 million won in a week. I mistakenly thought making money was easy, and that's when everything fell apart."
He added, "I'm 59 years old. I need to take care of my health, so I'm focusing intensely on staying healthy."
Jo debuted in 1994 as a first-generation public MC for SBS and has been active in various programs. In 2007, he married Shin Jae-eun, a home shopping host 12 years his junior, and they have a son together.
Reporter Na-yeon Jo, TenAsia nybluebook@tenasia.co.kr