The agency representing popular comedian and TV personality Cho Sae Ho has denied allegations linking him to an organized crime figure.
A2Z Entertainment issued a statement on December 4th addressing rumors that have been spreading rapidly online. The allegations claim that Cho promoted a franchise business owned by a gang member and accepted expensive gifts in return.
“We are currently assessing the situation,” the agency said. “Cho Sae Ho and Choi are just acquaintances, and the claims about receiving gifts are completely unfounded.” The company also stated that it is preparing legal action to protect its artist.
The controversy began when an Instagram account dedicated to exposing illegal activities posted a message targeting the star.
“Celebrity Cho Sae Ho, it’s time to reflect on your actions,” the post read. “Is it really appropriate for a nationally known comedian to keep accepting expensive gifts, promote a franchise run by an organized crime figure, and frequently associate with Choi, a powerful figure in the largest gang in Geochang?”
The post included a photo showing Cho Sae Ho hugging a man identified as “Choi” in what appeared to be a nightlife venue.
The accuser claimed that Choi is a criminal who operates illegal gambling websites and launders money through legitimate businesses. “Please provide an explanation,” the post demanded. “Gambling is a crime that harms and destroys society.”
When no immediate response came, the account holder uploaded another photo of the two men on December 1st, doubling down on the demand for clarification. After that post was deleted, they followed up on December 4th, asking, “The posts keep getting deleted. How are we supposed to respond if you’re just deleting posts without offering an explanation, Cho Sae Ho?”
Cho Sae Ho is currently co-hosting tvN’s You Quiz on the Block alongside Yoo Jae Suk and appearing on KBS 2TV’s 2 Days & 1 Night.
UPDATE
A2Z Entertainment issued a second statement on December 5th, denying claims about his involvement with a gang boss.
The agency said, “The accuser mentioned on their personal social media that Cho Sae Ho and Choi have a close relationship, suggesting that Cho Sae Ho is either directly or indirectly involved in Choi’s actions. However, we want to make it clear that these are just baseless speculations from the online poster, and they are completely false.”
The agency continued, “The person has also accused Cho Sae Ho of accepting money or expensive gifts from Choi. Once again, these are nothing but the accuser’s personal assumptions and are entirely unfounded.”
They added, “We are actively considering legal action, both criminal and civil, against the defamation and obstruction of business caused by these false claims.”
The agency emphasized, “We will take strict legal action against any unfounded slander, malicious posts and the reckless spread of false rumors, in line with our zero-tolerance policy.”
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