Actor Cho Jin-woong's Past Under Scrutiny Amid Allegations of Juvenile Crimes

Reports have surfaced alleging that actor Cho Jin-woong has a history of juvenile delinquency, prompting his agency to investigate the claims.

A representative from Cho Jin-woong's agency, Saram Entertainment, stated on the 5th, "We are currently verifying the facts following the reports."

Earlier in the day, a media outlet reported that Cho Jin-woong was involved in serious crimes during his high school years, leading to his detention in a juvenile facility. The report claimed he was involved in stealing parked vehicles and was implicated in a sexual assault case.

According to the source, Cho Jin-woong and his group committed various offenses, including driving without a license and using stolen goods, which led to their capture. It was also reported that Jo faced criminal trial in his second year of high school for robbery and rape under the Special Act on the Punishment of Violent Crimes (as of 1994), resulting in his placement in a juvenile facility.

The media outlet noted that tips about Cho Jin-woong began pouring in after the Liberation Day event on August 15. Jo had recited the Pledge of Allegiance at the 80th Liberation Day celebration. Previously, he gained attention for his roles as a special envoy for the repatriation of General Hong Beom-do's remains and as a narrator for "Independence Army: The Unfinished War." Some interpreted his "pledge" as reopening old wounds for some victims.

Further allegations suggest that Cho Jin-woong was fined for severely assaulting a theater troupe member as an adult and has a history of drunk driving. The agency plans to release an official statement once the facts are fully verified.

Lee So-jung, TENASIA Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr