Cho Jin Woong Rumored To Have Assaulted Young Actors, Managers And Even A Director, Agency Responds To New Reports
A director, several actors, and extras working in the industry have come out with additional allegations against Cho Jin Woong, accusing him of assault.
Documentary film director Heo Cheol revealed an incident from the past in which he had been assaulted by actor Cho Jin Woong.
On the 7th of December, Director Heo wrote on his social media that “after a fistfight with a friend in middle school, it was the first time as an adult that I was hit by someone,” and he described in detail the incident he experienced in 2014.
According to the post, the incident occurred one day in 2014 inside a vehicle while moving after holding a ritual wishing for the success of a certain director’s film. Heo said, “Actor Cho Jin Woong, who was sitting next to me, suddenly punched my face for no reason. I was hit unilaterally without even a chance to fight back, and when people stopped him, he suddenly started crying.”
Heo said that it was the first time meeting Cho Jin Woong that day, and that after the incident he demanded a formal apology through the manager, but never received a direct apology from Cho himself. He stated, “He did not apologize, saying he couldn’t remember, and only the innocent manager kneeled in front of me not knowing what to do. That night I heard that Cho Jin Woong also poured ice on and assaulted another young actor.”
This incident remained a major trauma for Heo. He said, “Whenever his face came on screen, I turned it off because anger surged,” and confessed frustration that even when he vented to people in the film industry, they brushed it off lightly.
However, Heo confessed that after seeing recent news about Cho Jin Woong, his feelings changed. He wrote, “After learning about his past background, strangely a feeling of forgiveness came up. My anger rose not toward this actor, but toward the eyes and finger-pointing of people that push someone into retiring.”
He continued, “All this time, I only got angry at the phenomenon of being assaulted with no context; I am ashamed that I never tried to understand why he acted that way. I truly hope he continues acting. If we meet again someday, let’s have a glass of soju and let me slap you once and shake it all off coolly.”
Additionally, Cho Jin Woong is facing additional accusations that, during a 2010s film company dinner, he assaulted a then-rookie actor, A, by throwing an ice bucket and charging at them because they did not sing a song he requested. Allegations have also emerged that actors B and C, as well as managers D and E, were slapped and kicked by Cho Jin Woong during drinking events.
Regarding this, his agency, Saram Entertainment, stated on the 8th of December, “Cho Jin Woong has completely ended his entertainment activities and retired. Since the actor has declared his retirement, we ask for understanding that it is difficult to provide a separate official statement regarding this matter.”
Previously, Dispatch accused the actor of hiding a very troubled past as a delinquent. His agency has since admitted to some allegations while denying the sexual assault allegations presented by Dispatch. Then, the actor himself announced his retirement shocking fans and the industry.
