High-Profile TV Star Firmly Denies Involvement With Gang Boss
Comedian Jo Se Ho (also known as Cho Sae Ho), best known for his role as a host alongside comedian Yoo Jae Suk on the beloved TV show You Quiz On The Block, has become embroiled in a massive scandal after an Instagram account alleged that he promoted a franchise restaurant owned by a gang member and received expensive gifts in return.
The allegations surfaced on November 29, 2025 (KST) via @exorcist_poy, an account known for posting tips about illegal loan schemes, financial fraud, and other various criminal activities. The account posted several photos of Jo Se Ho alongside Choi I Dong, whom the account alleged is a major figure in the largest organized criminal group in the Geoje region.
In one post, @exorcist_poy noted, “It seems my favorite comedian Jo Se Ho visits this franchise often. The real owner of this business is gang boss Mr. Choi. I should go try it.”
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The account also alleged that Jo Se Ho frequently spent time with Choi I Dong, drinking and receiving extravagant gifts. The post included a photo of Jo Se Ho and Choi I Dong looking close at an entertainment lounge. @exorcist_poy emphasized that Choi I Dong is “a criminal who operated illegal gambling sites and laundered funds through seemingly legitimate businesses,” and demanded that Jo Se Ho explain his involvement.
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TV star Jo Se Ho, you need to reflect on your actions. You keep accepting expensive gifts under the excuse of being ‘acquaintances,’ you promote a franchise run by a member of an organized crime group, and you regularly hang around with Choi I Dong, a key figure in the biggest gang in the Geochang area, drinking together and receiving luxury gifts. Is this really acceptable behavior for a nationally beloved comedian? Choi I Dong is a criminal. He operates various illegal gambling sites and launders gambling funds, using supposedly legitimate businesses in Korea to clean the money. Please explain yourself regarding this post. Gambling is a crime that harms and destroys society.
— @exorcist_poy/Instagram
In response, Jo Se Ho’s agency—A2Z Entertainment—denied all allegations, stating that Jo Se Ho and the individual in question are “just acquaintances” and that claims he received any luxury gifts are false. The agency also stated that it is looking into the situation and preparing appropriate measures to protect its artist.
Korean netizens, however, remain unconvinced, despite the agency’s statement. Based on Jo Se Ho’s past and latest controversies, netizens agreed that the allegations are neither disappointing nor surprising at this point.
- “If you pay them, some celebrities will do anything without thinking. Their excuses are always predictable. There’s a reason people call them ‘entertainers’ in a negative way.
- “Wow… But this makes me wonder if there’s something else going on in the country right now. Idol dating rumors, celebrity gossip — it’s been nonstop lately.”
- “No matter how good his TV image is, Jo Se Ho has always been off-putting to me. I saw him and his friend in Myeongdong like 15 years ago, back when he used to be ‘Yangbaechu,’ and without asking for my consent, he shoved a camera in my face, put his arm around me, and started asking random questions for an interview. I was a senior in high school then, and he didn’t even ask for my consent before touching me. My friend and I were so annoyed afterwards. LOL.”
“Not surprised.”
“Damn… I never really liked him, and to hear he was worse than I thought…?”
“For real, this isn’t surprising at all…”
“Not surprised.”
“He actually used to have a bad rep, but then when he started promoting himself as ‘Jo Se Ho’ instead of Yangbaechu, it felt like he suddenly got a clean slate. So this doesn’t shock me.”
Stay tuned for updates.
