Jo Se-ho apologizes for organized crime allegations in YouTube return

Comedian Jo Se-ho launched a new YouTube channel on the 5th to apologize for allegations of involvement with organized crime that surfaced last December. Despite his expressed resolve to act more responsibly, viewers criticized his return and the 3 million won glasses worn during the video.

Comedian Jo Se-ho has announced his return through YouTube after approximately 11 months, offering an apology and expressing his resolve, but public reaction remains cold. Although he spoke directly for the first time following allegations of involvement with organized crime, the comment section was flooded with criticism regarding his return. Public sentiment toward Jo Se-ho shows little sign of softening, especially as his expensive glasses in the apology video were also singled out.

On the 5th, Jo Se-ho opened a new YouTube channel, 'How Can I Go If I Don't Know Them?', and released his first video. This is a rebranding of his previously operated channel, which currently has approximately 110,000 subscribers. In the video, which is about 4 minutes and 11 seconds long, Jo Se-ho reflected on his recent time and shared his remorse and future determination.

"I think 26 was a meaningful year for me," Jo Se-ho said. "I looked back on the path I have walked more than ever before. It was a meaningful year where I reflected and strengthened my resolve for the future. Above all, I spent a lot of time with my family." He explained his period of halted activities as a time to reflect on his life and surroundings.

He also expressed his apologies regarding the allegations of involvement with organized crime that surfaced last December. Bowing his head, Jo Se-ho said, "I sincerely apologize to those who were disappointed and those who felt uncomfortable." He promised, "Moving forward, I will be a Jo Se-ho who looks around more responsibly regarding relationships and acts with even greater caution."

He also admitted his shortcomings by mentioning his age. "I will already be forty-six next year, but I am still very lacking," Jo Se-ho stated. "Through this time, I will strive to be a Jo Se-ho who takes responsibility as a person and can make you all smile and provide joy." He emphasized his will to take responsibility as a broadcaster alongside his apology.

However, contrary to expectations, the atmosphere in the comment section following the video's release was chilly. Some netizens expressed negative stances toward his return, commenting, "Celebrities really have it easy," "If you feel you are lacking, don't come back," "The entertainment industry is truly hopeless," "He still hasn't come to his senses," and "As expected, it seems premature." In particular, the expensive glasses worn in the apology video became a subject of criticism, with one comment noting, "Meanwhile, the glasses are over 3 million won."

On the other hand, there were some voices welcoming Jo Se-ho's return. Supportive comments such as "I hope you have a happy and joyful married life," "Don't mind the malicious comments and please be active," and "Congratulations on your return" also appeared. However, as the negative reactions are prominent, it appears that time will be needed to restore public trust even though Jo Se-ho directly conveyed his apology and resolve.

Last December, Jo Se-ho was embroiled in allegations of having close ties with organized crime and receiving money and goods. At the time, while Jo Se-ho denied all related allegations, he expressed remorse, stating he should have been more cautious in his relationships with those around him. He said, "As a person standing before the public, I should have been more cautious in my relationships with people around me, but with a younger mind, I think I was unable to deal with all those connections maturely. I am reflecting deeply."

Following this, Jo Se-ho stepped down from KBS 2TV's '2 Days and 1 Night' and tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block'. However, he continued his appearance in the Netflix variety show 'Crazy Driver' without stepping down. Recently, his wife drew attention by supporting his return, opening an account named 'Delete Account if Jo Se-ho Finds Out' to reveal her husband's daily life.

Having begun communicating with the public again through his new YouTube channel, Jo Se-ho has directly apologized and stated his resolve for future activities, yet cold comments and supportive reactions coexist. Beyond the sincerity of his apology, how he will present himself to the public in the future is expected to determine the direction of public opinion surrounding his return.

Read the original (Korean)