With Cho Sae-ho reportedly set to return to variety TV less than a month after exiting tvN’s "You Quiz on the Block," the online user who first raised allegations of his ties to an organized crime figure is teasing a fresh round of explosive claims―reigniting the controversy.
The original poster, identified only as “A,” wrote on social media, “Cho Sae-ho is coming back already?” and suggested his return was timed because the alleged gangster acquaintance has “fled overseas,” stalling any investigation. A then warned, “In that case, I’ll release a video filmed at [the acquaintance’s] house with his wife.”
In a separate post, A pushed back on Cho’s description of the connection as “just acquaintances,” claiming Cho introduced his now-wife to the man before marriage and drank together at the man’s home―hinting at further disclosures to come.
Cho was swept into scandal after photos surfaced of him with a key figure allegedly tied to an illegal gambling operation and money laundering. Some online posts further alleged Cho received pricey gifts from the individual and promoted a franchise the person owned.
Cho has denied any wrongdoing, characterizing the relationship as “casual acquaintances” and rejecting claims of illegal activity or financial exchanges as “completely untrue.” As scrutiny mounted, he stepped down from tvN’s "You Quiz on the Block" and KBS2’s "2 Days & 1 Night" Season 4, pausing activities across his variety slate.
Roughly three weeks later, in late December, reports surfaced that Cho would join Season 4 of the Netflix variety series “Screwballs,” signaling an official comeback. Producers confirmed, “We’re preparing a new season, and Cho Sae-ho is set to take part.”
A’s rapid-fire posts following the comeback news have put the controversy back in the spotlight. The suggestion of releasing a video “shot with the wife at [the] house” has also prompted backlash from some corners, with concerns it could veer into privacy invasion or intimidation.
Cho’s camp has not issued a new statement regarding the threatened disclosures. Previously, Cho said, “I’m sorry for disappointing people based solely on the photos, but the allegations are not true, and we will set the record straight through legal means,” signaling a firm response.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)