Actor Cho Jin-woong‘s Retirement Sparks Broadcast Uncertainty, Follows Separate Legal Battles for Park Na-rae
SEOUL, December 7, 2023 – The South Korean entertainment industry is reeling from a series of unfolding controversies, beginning with the abrupt retirement of actor Cho Jin-woong and compounded by escalating legal disputes involving broadcaster Park Na-rae. Cho Jin-woong, known for his portrayals of steadfast law enforcement figures, unexpectedly announced his departure from the industry amidst allegations that surfaced this week.
Cho Jin-woong gained prominence for roles depicting integrity, including a tenacious detective in the acclaimed 2016 drama “Signal” and in the 2022 film “Officer’s Blood.” He also recently served as the national special envoy for the repatriation of remains, traveling to Kazakhstan to participate in the process. The nature of the allegations prompting his retirement remains unspecified, but the contrast with his established public image proved decisive.
The fallout from Cho Jin-woong’s decision is already impacting planned projects. The fate of the tvN drama “second Signal,” a sequel to the hugely popular “Signal” (which achieved a 15% viewership rating in 2016), is now in question. While filming completed last August with the return of original stars Kim Hye-soo and Lee Je-hoon, the broadcasting company stated they are “discussing” whether to air the series.
Separately,broadcaster Park Na-rae is facing legal challenges from two former managers who allege workplace harassment,verbal abuse,injury,unauthorized prescription procurement,and unpaid expenses. They filed a provisional seizure of real estate with the Seoul Western District Court on December 3rd and subsequently filed a complaint with the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul on December 5th,citing charges of special injury,among others.
Park Na-rae’s side counters these claims, stating the former managers demanded a “large amount of money…based on false claims.” She has, in turn, filed a complaint against the former managers at Yongsan Police Station in Seoul on charges of blackmail, on December 6th.
Further complicating matters, reports emerged on December 6th alleging Park Na-rae received antidepressants and other drugs from an individual identified as ‘A,’ described as an “injection aunt” without a medical license. the reports claim these injections and IVs were administered at A’s home and vehicle, not a medical institution. Park Na-rae’s representatives responded,stating she “knew Mr. A as a doctor” and “only received a simple injection of nutritional supplements.”
Despite the ongoing controversies, Park Na-rae continues to appear on several popular programs, including MBC’s “I Live Alone” and “Save Me! Holmes,” as well as tvN’s “Amazing Saturday.”
