"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, at around 12:11 a.m., Professor Han posted on Facebook, noting that Jo Jinwoong's juvenile offense was revealed decades after the fact, and explained the intent of juvenile justice. He stated, "In Jo Jinwoong's case, he made mistakes as a youth and received the appropriate legal sanctions. Juvenile crimes are punished, but the system also aims to increase the possibility of education and rehabilitation to prevent further criminal behavior. That is the defining feature of juvenile justice. This is why such facilities are called schools rather than juvenile detention centers."

He continued, "The fact that this young man did not remain trapped in a dark past, but instead worked hard for decades to achieve social recognition, is something to be praised. He can also serve as an excellent guide and role model for young people who are still lost in darkness."

Regarding the fact that Jo Jinwoong concealed his past, Professor Han said, "There is no reason for anyone to constantly announce 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 assault case, also pointed out the intent of the Juvenile Act and criticized media coverage. On December 5, she posted on Facebook, "The purpose of the Juvenile Act is to help juveniles with antisocial behavior grow up healthy by correcting their conduct (Juvenile Act Article 1)," and "If facts or photos are reported that could reveal the identity of a juvenile involved in an investigation or trial under the Juvenile Act, criminal penalties apply (Juvenile Act Article 68, prohibition of reporting)."

She continued, "In light of the purpose of the Juvenile Act, even though the person is now an adult, reporting the real name of 'a certain actor' appears to go against the intent of the law. There are holes everywhere in society. Everything is in tatters."

Professor Han also mentioned Jo Jinwoong's portrayals of historical figures and narration experience in works such as the film "Assassination" (2015), "The Great Kim Changsoo" (2017), and the documentary "Independence Army: The Unfinished War" (2025), drawing a parallel by saying, "The Japanese colonial authorities would exploit personal weaknesses of independence activists to twist their cause and bury them alive."

He concluded, "Entertainers are perhaps the most vulnerable, as they must be conscious of public opinion. 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 and spent time in a juvenile detention center, and also reported allegations of assault and drunk driving after his acting debut. His agency stated, "After checking with the actor, we confirmed that he did make mistakes as a minor. However, he was not involved in any sexual assault."

Subsequently, Jo Jinwoong officially announced his retirement through his agency. He said, "I deeply apologize to everyone who believed in 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 both ongoing and upcoming projects. Filming for the sequel to the tvN drama "Signal," titled "Second Signal," has been completed, but editing or reshooting scenes featuring Jo Jinwoong, who played a leading role, is virtually impossible. SBS Special's documentary "War on Crime" replaced its narrator and re-recorded the narration, while KBS made the documentary "Special Envoy Jo Jinwoong: Bringing General Hong Beomdo Home," in which Jo Jinwoong appeared, private on its YouTube channel.