Actor Jung Joon: "A Person Who Reflects Can Grow as an Actor"
Poet Ryu Geun: "20 Million People in Korea Have a Criminal Record"
As actor Jo Jinwoong announced his retirement from the entertainment industry following the revelation of crimes he committed in the past, fellow actor Jung Joon and poet Ryu Geun, among others, have posted messages of encouragement, drawing public attention.
On December 7, Jung Joon wrote on his Instagram, "Forgiveness-if we had to wear our mistakes on our faces every day, no one would be able to stand confidently before the public and speak. I vividly remember Jo Jinwoong during his rookie years. He always arrived early on set, often without a manager or a car, yet he always greeted everyone with humility and helped the staff," he began.
He continued, "Since then, I have never met or contacted him, but that image of him has stayed with me, so I always made sure to watch and support his work. I am not saying that his past mistakes were justified. I believe he paid for his wrongdoings during his youth," he added.
He went on, "We were never taught where and how far the word 'forgiveness' should be applied. Although his childhood was marked by mistakes, if he has lived a life of reflection and grown into an actor we love-someone who brings us laughter and joy-then perhaps it is time for us to reconsider how we use the word 'forgiveness.'"
On December 8, Ryu Geun also wrote in support of Jo Jinwoong. He said, "There is so much talk about Jo Jinwoong. Who among us has never been near a juvenile detention center in our youth?" He continued, "People change and grow, as our neighborhood Hegel used to say. Just as we are forgiven for our own sins, let us also forgive others, as Jesus taught us."
He further argued, "What he did as a child is important, but why don't we place more value on how he is living now? Have you forgotten that 20 million people in our country have a criminal record?"
Previously, on December 5, entertainment media outlet Dispatch reported that Jo Jinwoong had committed several crimes, including car theft and sexual assault, during his high school years and was sent to a juvenile detention center. The outlet also reported that Jo Jinwoong had a history of assault and drunk driving even after debuting as an actor.
The following day, Jo Jinwoong announced his retirement through his agency. In his statement, he said, "I humbly accept all criticism and, as of today, will cease all activities. I intend to put an end to my acting career. This is the responsibility and duty I must bear for my past wrongdoings."
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