A career-ending revelation about an actor’s teenage crimes has plunged South Korea into a soul-searching debate over justice, redemption and the ethics of public shaming in the digital age.
Cho Jin-woong, 49, long celebrated for his commanding on-screen portrayals of justice-seeking figures, came under intense scrutiny last week after a tabloid outlet reported that he had been sent to a juvenile detention centre in high school for robbery and sexual assault.
The report also included unverified claims of later assaults and drink-driving.
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In a statement, Cho’s agency acknowledged that Cho had “made mistakes” in his youth, but categorically denied the sexual assault allegation, stating “he was never involved in sexual assault”.
It also rejected claims that Cho had changed his name from Cho Won-joon to hide his past, calling the decision “a sincere resolution to become a better person”.
I intend to bring my acting career to a close
Despite attempts to contain the fallout, the actor abruptly announced his retirement the following day.