"Sent to Juvenile Detention for Sexual Assault and Theft in High School"
Agency: "We Will Issue an Official Statement After Verifying the Facts"
Actor Jo Jinwoong (49, real name Jo Wonjun) has come under suspicion of having a juvenile criminal record, and his agency has stated that they are "in the process of verifying the facts."
Theft, Sexual Assault, and Drunk Driving Allegations
On December 5, Dispatch reported that Jo Jinwoong committed crimes such as sexual assault and theft during his high school years, received juvenile protection measures, and was sent to a juvenile detention center. According to the report, Jo Jinwoong was considered a so-called "iljin" (school bully) and, along with his group, stole vehicles. He was also implicated in a sexual assault case and was tried in criminal court for robbery and rape under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes when he was a high school sophomore.
Additionally, the report stated that after becoming an adult, during his years as an unknown actor, Jo Jinwoong was fined for assaulting a theater troupe member and had his driver's license revoked after being caught driving under the influence while intoxicated.
"Reason for Using His Father's Name Instead of His Real Name"
Afterward, Jo Jinwoong began using his father's name, Jo Jinwoong, instead of his real name, Jo Wonjun. Informants speculated that he made this choice to erase his criminal record from his high school days. However, evidence supporting these allegations has not been made public.
Regarding this, his agency, Saram Entertainment, stated on December 5, "We are currently verifying the facts regarding the reported content," adding, "We will issue an official statement as soon as the facts are confirmed."
Jo Jinwoong joined the theater troupe "Dongnyeok" in 1996 and made his film debut in Chungmuro with "Once Upon a Time in High School" in 2004. Since then, he has actively appeared in numerous works, including "Signal," "The Strongest," "Suspect X," "Believer," "Me and Me," and "Blood of Police Officer." He is set to appear in the upcoming drama "Second Signal."
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