South Korean actor Cho Jin-woong, a celebrated star known for his compelling roles in films like The Handmaiden and Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time, has announced his immediate retirement from acting following the revelation of his past juvenile criminal record. The allegations, surfaced by local media outlet Dispatch, have sent shockwaves through the industry, putting major projects like the sequel to the drama Signal in severe jeopardy.
Through his agency, Saram Entertainment, Cho Jin-woong released a statement addressing the media and his supporters: “I sincerely apologise for disappointing everyone who has trusted and supported me due to my disgraceful past actions.” He humbly accepted the criticism and made a definitive declaration: “I humbly accept all the criticism, and as of today, I will halt all activities and bring my acting career to an end. I will do my utmost to reflect on myself and stand again as a better person.”
Actor Cho Jin-woong announced his retirement following the surfacing of his juvenile record.
The Controversy: Juvenile Crimes and Agency Response
The allegations, which date back to 1994 when Cho Jin-woong was a high school student (using his real name, Jo Won-jun), are extensive and serious. Dispatch reported that the actor received juvenile protection measures and was sent to a juvenile detention center. The most severe accusations claimed that, as a second-year student, he faced a criminal trial on charges of robbery and rape under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, stemming from an incident where he and a group of youths allegedly stole a car, drove it without a license, and attempted sexual assault inside the vehicle.
Saram Entertainment later partially admitted to the allegations, stating they confirmed the actor “had indeed engaged in wrongful behavior during his minority.” The agency acknowledged the difficulty in verifying all circumstances since the incidents occurred over 30 years ago and legal procedures had concluded. However, the agency emphatically denied the allegations of sexual assault, asserting that some reports contained exaggerated or distorted facts.
Adult Misconduct and Career Fallout
The actor’s troubles were not confined to his teenage years. The reports further claimed that Cho Jin-woong was fined in 2003 for assaulting a fellow member of his theatre troupe during his time as a stage actor. After making his film debut with Once Upon a Time in High School (2004), he allegedly had his driver’s license revoked for drunk driving. Saram Entertainment acknowledged these later instances of “poor judgment” that caused concern, stating the actor “takes very seriously” his misconduct even as an adult.
The scandal has had an immediate and severe impact on the entertainment industry. Broadcasters like SBS and KBS took swift action, immediately replacing Cho’s voice narration in various documentary programs. The most significant fallout concerns the major tvN drama Signal 2 (The Second Signal), which had already wrapped filming and was highly anticipated for an early 2026 premiere. The sharp contrast between Cho’s alleged violent past and his celebrated image as a justice-seeking detective (amplified by his original role in Signal) has made the broadcast of the sequel virtually impossible, though internal discussions at CJ ENM are ongoing.
Cho Jin-woong’s acclaimed role as Detective Lee Jae-han in the K-drama ‘Signal’ is now shadowed by the controversy.
Name Change and Legacy
The controversy also reignited speculation about Cho’s choice to use his father’s name as his stage name instead of his birth name, Jo Won-jun, with some informants claiming it was an effort to conceal his criminal history. His agency denied this, explaining that the name change was a “personal vow to become a better person,” and requesting understanding of his sincerity.
Cho Jin-woong began his career on stage, spending nine years with the Dongnyeok theater troupe before making his film debut. He achieved critical acclaim for roles in high-profile projects such as The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014), Assassination (2015), The Spy Gone North (2018), and Believer (2018). His sudden retirement marks an abrupt end to one of South Korea’s most successful careers.
Saram Entertainment, the agency representing Cho Jin-woong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did actor Cho Jin-woong announce his retirement?
Cho Jin-woong announced his immediate retirement from acting following allegations that resurfaced about serious crimes and misconduct he committed as a minor and young adult. He stated that retiring was the “rightful responsibility and duty” he must bear for his past mistakes.
What were the main allegations against Cho Jin-woong?
The main allegations, dating back to 1994, include vehicle theft and charges of robbery, resulting in time spent in a juvenile detention center. Subsequent allegations include assault against a theater colleague and a drunk driving conviction. The agency acknowledged some juvenile wrongdoing but explicitly denied the most severe allegations of sexual assault.
Which K-drama project is now in jeopardy due to the controversy?
The highly anticipated tvN sequel, Signal 2 (The Second Signal), is in jeopardy. Although filming has been completed, the stark contrast between Cho’s past and his role as a righteous detective makes the drama’s planned 2026 broadcast uncertain.
What was Cho Jin-woong’s agency’s defense regarding his stage name?
The agency denied speculation that Cho adopted his father’s name as his stage name to hide his criminal past. They stated that the name change was intended as a “personal vow to become a better person.”
