'School Violence Controversy' Jo Byeong-gyu, Whistleblower Turns Themselves In and Deletes Post... "Decided to Show Leniency"

Actor Jo Byung-gyu. [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] The author of a post claiming to have been a victim of school violence by actor Jo Byung-gyu (25) has admitted that the content was false and pleaded for leniency. Jo Byung-gyu's side received an apology from the post's author and canceled the police investigation request.

Jo Byung-gyu's agency, HB Entertainment, stated on the 17th, "The author of the false post turned themselves in, admitted that the content they wrote was false, expressed regret for their wrongdoing and illegal actions, and pleaded for leniency with an apology."

The agency added, "On the morning of the same day, immediately after filing a complaint and requesting an investigation seeking punishment for illegal acts against our affiliated actor, the author of the false post contacted us."

The agency continued, "Initially, we were strongly responding and proceeding with all possible legal procedures, but since the author of the false post reflected on their mistake and repeatedly expressed a desire for leniency, we received a pledge that they will never commit illegal acts again," and thus canceled the legal action.

However, they stated, "If similar cases occur in the future or other circumstances arise that exacerbate damage to our affiliated actor, we will respond firmly."

Previously, an online community post claimed that Jo Byung-gyu verbally abused the author while attending high school in New Zealand. Jo Byung-gyu's side called it a "malicious rumor" and requested a police investigation.

Jo Byung-gyu was previously embroiled in a school violence controversy after gaining popularity with the 2018 JTBC drama 'SKY Castle.' At that time, Jo posted on a fan cafe, saying, "Because I act, I was often the focus at school and was perceived as a friend who just hangs out. That was never the case."

Jo Byung-gyu debuted in 2015 with the KBS 2TV drama 'Who Are You - School 2015' and became well-known through 'SKY Castle.' Recently, he appeared in the OCN drama 'The Uncanny Counter.'