"This Is Not Punishment but a Burying Alive"... Legal Community Speaks Out on Jo Jinwoong's Retirement Over Past Disclosure

"Juvenile Record Reported Decades Later... The Media Deserves Criticism"
Attorney Kim Jaeryeon: "Purpose of Juvenile Act Undermined... Reporting Is Problematic"
Industry in Crisis as Dramas and Documentaries Face Disruptions

After actor Jo Jinwoong announced his retirement following the public disclosure of his juvenile criminal record, voices from the legal community have argued that his decision is excessive. Han Inseop, Professor Emeritus at Seoul National University Law School, expressed regret over Jo Jinwoong's retirement announcement, calling it "a very misguided solution."

Actor Jo Jinwoong. Content Wave

Professor Han compared Jo Jinwoong's current situation to being "buried alive" as a result of the controversy, and advised him to "stand tall by rising up and not allowing himself to be buried alive."

On December 7, around 12:11 a.m., Professor Han posted on Facebook, noting that Jo Jinwoong's juvenile crime was revealed decades later and explaining the intent behind juvenile justice. He stated, "In Jo Jinwoong's case, he made mistakes as a youth and received appropriate legal sanctions. Juvenile crimes are punished, but the system aims to increase the possibility of education and rehabilitation to prevent further criminal behavior. This is the essence of juvenile justice. That is also why the term 'school' is used instead of 'juvenile detention center.'"

He continued, "The fact that this young man did not remain trapped in his dark past and worked hard for decades to achieve social recognition is something to be commended. Even now, he can serve as a valuable guide and role model for youths who are still struggling in the darkness."

Regarding Jo Jinwoong's concealment of his past, Professor Han pointed out, "There is no reason for anyone to constantly disclose their past mistakes. We live in a system designed so that no one has to wear a scarlet letter on their resume or forehead," criticizing media coverage of the issue.

He added, "If someone, for whatever reason-personal, political, or sensational-tries to dig up decades-old history to bury a person's current achievements, the target of severe social criticism should not be the celebrity, but the media."

Attorney Kim Jaeryeon, who represented the victim in the late Park Wonsoon, former Seoul mayor's sexual harassment case, also criticized the media coverage and emphasized the purpose of juvenile law. On December 5, she wrote on Facebook, "The purpose of the Juvenile Act is to help correct the antisocial behavior of juveniles and support their healthy development (Article 1 of the Juvenile Act). Reporting facts or photos that could reveal the identity of a juvenile involved in an investigation or trial under the Juvenile Act is subject to criminal punishment (Article 68, Reporting Prohibition)."

She continued, "Given the purpose of the Juvenile Act, even though the person is now an adult, reporting the real name of a 'certain actor' seems to contradict the spirit of the law. There are holes everywhere in our society. Everything is falling apart."

Professor Han also referenced Jo Jinwoong's portrayals of historical figures and narration work in films such as "Assassination" (2015), "The Great Kim Changsoo" (2017), and the documentary "Independence Fighters: The Unfinished War" (2025). He drew a comparison, saying, "The Japanese colonial authorities would exploit personal weaknesses of the independence activists Jo Jinwoong admired, twisting noble causes and using such tactics to bury them alive."

He concluded, "Entertainers are perhaps the most vulnerable because they must be conscious of public popularity. Let us not join in the folly of casting stones just because others do, but judge wisely. I hope to see in him another example of a person overcoming challenges and setbacks."

Entertainment outlet Dispatch, based on tips, raised suspicions that Jo Jinwoong committed car theft and sexual assault during high school, leading to time in a juvenile facility, and also reported allegations of assault and drunk driving after his acting debut. His agency confirmed, "After checking with the actor, we acknowledge that there were wrongful acts during his youth. However, he was not involved in any sexual assault."

Subsequently, Jo Jinwoong officially announced his retirement through his agency. He stated, "I deeply apologize to everyone who trusted and supported me for disappointing you because of my disgraceful past. I humbly accept all criticism and, as of today, I will cease all activities and bring my acting career to an end."

Jo Jinwoong's sudden retirement is currently affecting ongoing and upcoming productions. Filming for tvN's "Second Signal," the sequel to the drama "Signal," has been completed, but editing or reshooting scenes featuring Jo Jinwoong, who plays a leading role, is virtually impossible. SBS's special documentary "War on Crime" replaced the narrator and re-recorded the commentary, while KBS made the documentary "Special Envoy Jo Jinwoong: Bringing General Hong Beomdo Home" private on its YouTube channel.