In a surprising fall from grace, veteran actor Cho Jin-woong, once hailed as a reliable “conceptual actor” in Korean film and television, has suddenly retired following a devastating exposé from Dispatch. The actor now faces public backlash and a staggering potential fine of over KRW 100 billion, sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry.
“I deeply regret my past mistakes and sincerely apologize to those who were hurt.” Cho said as much in a statement released through his agency, People Entertainment, shortly before announcing his retirement on December 6.
The meteoric rise of a star…
Cho Jin-woong, who debuted in 2004 with a minor role in “Once Upon a Time in High School”has gradually climbed the charts thanks to strong performances in films such as “The front line”, “Gangster with no name”AND “The Handmaid”and in dramas like “Signal” AND “Tree with deep roots”. Known for playing virtuous characters – detectives, soldiers and prosecutors – Cho has become a favorite for socially conscious roles, even landing business deals in financial sectors based on public trust.
His involvement in the long-awaited sequel “Second signal”– the sequel to the acclaimed tvN film “Signal”-was supposed to be the highlight of his career.
…And a shocking collapse
However, on December 5, Dispatch dropped a bombshell: Cho had a criminal record as a juvenile, including thefts, underage driving and sexual assault, and continued to experience violence and drunk driving into adulthood. He was reportedly arrested for drunk driving, had a history of physically assaulting other actors and staff, and was even implicated in the infamous 1994 schoolgirl assault case, although he denies involvement in the latter.
Subsequent media reports brought to light further claims from former co-stars, including violent outbursts during filming of the film and backstage altercations.
Adding to the controversy, tvN’s “Second signal”already completed and performed together with Kim Hye-soo and Lee Je-hoon Cho Jin Woongis now in danger. With Cho in a central role, recasting or reshoots are reportedly impossible, potentially derailing the entire 2026 version.
The financial fallout
Industry experts now estimate that Cho could be liable for up to KRW 100 billion (about $76 million) in penalties if the legal action proceeds. This would cover breach of contract, disruption of broadcast schedules and post-production costs for unreleased or now canceled projects.
This is not only a personal tragedy for the actor, but a crisis for multiple stakeholders, including production companies, broadcasters and advertisers.
Rapid industry reaction
In immediate response, SBS replaced Cho’s narration in the documentary “War on gangs”and KBS removed his report on a special on General Hong Beom-do. His once impressive public image, built over two decades, now lies in tatters.
Public outrage
Netizens expressed strong reactions:
- “A criminal like him shouldn’t have become an actor in the first place.”
- “This is a betrayal. He got so many roles right.”
- “He deserves every little fallout. Actions have consequences.”
Final thoughts
Cho Jin-woong’s downfall is more than a celebrity scandal: It’s a warning about image, responsibility and how deeply the public invests in stars who represent virtue. The industry now faces the difficult task of recovering from one of the gravest betrayals of recent times.
Sources: Segye Ilbo, Dispatch
