Korean Entertainment Industry Shaken by Multiple Scandals Involving Park Na-rae, Jo Se-ho, and Jo Jin-woong

The Korean entertainment industry is currently embroiled in a series of controversies. Following comedian Park Na-rae's 'power abuse scandal' on the 4th, comedian Jo Se-ho is now facing allegations of gang involvement, and today, actor Jo Jin-woong has been accused of being a juvenile offender involved in robbery and rape during his high school years.

On the 4th, it was revealed that Park Na-rae is embroiled in a legal dispute after her former managers announced plans to file a lawsuit for damages amounting to approximately 100 million won. According to a media report, Park's former managers filed a real estate provisional seizure application with the Seoul Western District Court on the 3rd. They also plan to file a lawsuit claiming damages of around 100 million won, citing various grievances experienced during their tenure.

The former managers accuse Park of workplace harassment, special injury, directing proxy prescriptions, and unpaid expenses. They have reportedly submitted additional evidence to the court. Furthermore, they claim they were treated like domestic helpers, being tasked with errands, party clean-ups, accompanying her to drinking sessions, and even handling family matters.

In response, Park Na-rae's representatives stated they are "checking the facts." Although nothing has been confirmed, her image has inevitably taken a hit. According to a media outlet on the 5th, Park was scheduled to participate in the filming of MBC's variety show 'Na Doo-shin-na' but the shoot was canceled following the power abuse reports. MBC's long-running variety show 'I Live Alone,' which Park has been a part of, remains silent on the issue.

Just hours after Park Na-rae's scandal broke, Jo Se-ho faced allegations of gang involvement. A netizen claimed on social media that Jo is acquainted with a gang member, Mr. B, and is involved in Mr. B's illegal money laundering activities. The netizen also alleged that Mr. B gave Jo expensive gifts and shared several photos of the two together.

In response, Jo Se-ho's agency, A2Z Entertainment, stated on the 5th, "These are merely assumptions made by an individual and are not true," adding, "The individual claims Jo Se-ho received money or expensive gifts from Mr. B, but this is also unfounded speculation and not factual."

The agency also warned of strong legal action, stating, "We are actively considering criminal and civil legal action against the individual for defamation and obstruction of business through false information. We will take strong legal measures against malicious slander, the spread of false information, and rumors without tolerance."

Following these events, allegations surfaced regarding Jo Jin-woong's past as a juvenile offender, causing further controversy. A media outlet reported that Jo was sent to a juvenile detention center for committing serious crimes during his high school years. Allegations include theft of parked vehicles and involvement in a sexual assault case.

The media outlet stated that tips about Jo Jin-woong poured in after the Liberation Day event on August 15. Jo had previously recited the national pledge at the 80th Liberation Day celebration. He has also been noted for his involvement in projects like the 'Repatriation of General Hong Beom-do's Remains' and as a narrator for 'Independence Army: The Unfinished War.' Some interpret that Jo's upright image on broadcasts may have triggered some victims' trauma.

Currently, Jo Jin-woong's agency, Saram Entertainment, is "checking the facts" and has refrained from making further comments. Meanwhile, the controversy has affected the upcoming tvN drama 'Second Signal,' set to air next year. 'Second Signal' is the sequel to the beloved drama 'Signal,' starring Kim Hye-soo, Jo Jin-woong, and Lee Je-hoon.

tvN had included the drama in its 20th-anniversary lineup, highlighting it as a flagship production. The controversy surrounding Jo Jin-woong is expected to impact the production and broadcasting schedule. With 'Second Signal' reportedly already filmed, there is significant interest in whether the episodes featuring Jo will air as planned.

Reporter Se-yoon Jung, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr