Cho Jin-woong’s retirement sparks fears of $7.6 mil. penalty amid growing public debate
Cho Jin-woong / Xportsnews
Actor Cho Jin-woong’s abrupt retirement amid revived allegations about his past juvenile misconduct is now raising questions over whether he could face a penalty of up to 10 billion won ($7.6 million), according to industry estimates circulating in Korea.
On Tuesday, local outlet Newsen reported, citing an industry official, that tvN could pursue a massive damages claim if it files a lawsuit against Cho and his agency. The figure reflects the scale and timing of Cho’s leading role in “Signal 2,” the long-awaited sequel to the 2016 hit drama.
Cho Jin-woong / Xportsnews
“Signal 2” was scheduled to air in the first half of next year after nearly a decade of anticipation. But its future is now uncertain after allegations emerged on Friday accusing Cho of wrongdoing as a minor. His agency acknowledged part of the claims. “We confirmed with the actor that there were improper actions during his youth," it said.
A day later, Cho announced he was ending his career. “I accept all criticism with humility and will stop all activities as of today. This is the responsibility and duty I must bear for my past wrongdoing,” he said, declaring an immediate retirement.
The fallout has cast a long shadow over tvN’s high-profile production. A network representative said the drama’s scheduling is still under discussion and updates will be shared when available.
While Cho’s exit has sparked public criticism, a growing number of figures in the entertainment and political spheres have voiced support for him, highlighting concerns about Korea’s harsh culture of public shaming.
Lee Jun-dong, a film producer known as the brother of director Lee Chang-dong, posted a pointed defense on Sunday. “Our society demands sacrifices too often. We killed Lee Sun-gyun, we killed Sulli, we killed Ma Kwang-soo, we killed reds … How much healthier has our society become? This ritual of placing someone on the altar and fueling collective madness is exhausting," Lee wrote.
Rep. Park Beom-kye of the Democratic Party of Korea also suggested Cho was facing disproportionate consequences. “The controversy over his youth shocked me, and his retirement even more. Should memories of one’s childhood mistakes be something a person must never let go of? Is his present image, shaped by the public, incompatible with forgotten past memories?”
Father Song Kyung-yong of the Anglican Church likewise urged Cho to return, writing, “If he has already been appropriately punished and has lived with reflection, shouldn’t we encourage him instead?”
As debate intensifies, attention is turning to potential financial repercussions. If “Signal 2” cannot proceed with Cho, the broadcaster stands to suffer significant losses — raising the question of whether the actor will ultimately be held liable for a massive penalty.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.