Posting to social media, the user shared a single out-of-focus image that appears to have been taken at a restaurant, showing Cho seated next to a woman holding a small dog. As the whistleblower had teased, the woman is believed to be Cho’s wife, identified only by her surname, Jung, whom he married last October.
The user―known online as “A”―has been airing claims about illegal activity by a crime syndicate and inappropriate ties with some entertainers. Recently, A wrote, “I’ll start posting what I’ve been told. Mr. Cho, don’t just threaten lawsuits―explain.” On Dec. 9, Cho acknowledged he knew the person at the center of the rumors but insisted he had “no involvement in anything illegal,” announcing he would step down from his programs and pursue legal action against A.
Right after Cho’s statement, A said they would “respect that decision and cheer him on” and briefly held back the post. But following online speculation that a settlement had been reached, A returned on the 10th with the photo and a lengthy message, vowing to “see this through to set the record straight.”
“My aim from the start was to address unlawful conduct and the harm it caused,” A wrote. “I have never asked for money, nor am I out to attack any one individual.” A added, “Even if Mr. Cho’s side talks legal action, I won’t avoid any process. If false claims keep circulating, I’ll respond with verifiable materials.”
Legal experts urged caution regarding the photo release. “A picture only shows two people in the same place; it does not, by itself, prove criminal involvement or collusion,” attorneys said, warning against overreaching conclusions.
On Dec. 9, Cho said he would step back from tvN’s "You Quiz on the Block" and KBS 2TV’s "2 Days & 1 Night."
His agency A2Z Entertainment said Cho feels a deep sense of responsibility amid the controversy and chose to step away to avoid burdening producers and viewers. “I understand the photo alone disappointed people, but the allegations are not true,” Cho added, pledging to correct inaccuracies “through the proper procedures.”
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)