Juvenile Crime Expert: "Low Credibility in Jo Jinwoong Robbery and Rape Allegations... If True, He Would Have Gone to Prison"

"In 1994, punishment for juvenile offenders was much stricter"
"If Jo Jinwoong had actually committed robbery and rape,
he would have gone to prison, not a juvenile detention center," expert claims

Following allegations that actor Jo Jinwoong (49, real name Jo Wonjun) was a former juvenile offender involved in crimes such as robbery and rape, which led him to announce his retirement, questions have been raised about the severity of his punishment at the time. Oh Changik, Secretary General of the Human Rights Solidarity and known as an expert on juvenile offenders, said, "Considering that the punishment for juvenile offenders was severe in 1994, if Jo Jinwoong had actually committed robbery and rape, he would have been sent to prison," raising doubts about the credibility of the initial media report.

Actor Jo Jinwoong. Contents Wave

Previously, on December 5, Dispatch reported that Jo Jinwoong, as a high school sophomore in 1994, was tried in a criminal court on charges of robbery and rape under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes and was sent to a juvenile detention center. In response, Jo Jinwoong’s agency stated, "He was not involved in any acts related to sexual assault," but also admitted, "It is true that he made mistakes during his teenage years." Nevertheless, as the controversy grew, Jo Jinwoong announced his retirement the following day, saying, "I humbly accept all criticism, and as of today, I will cease all activities and put an end to my acting career."

"In 1994, Punishments for Juvenile Offenders Were Much Harsher Than Today"

Regarding this, Secretary General Oh appeared on the YouTube channel 'Kim Yongmin TV' on December 10 as a 'juvenile crime expert,' questioning the credibility of Dispatch's report. He said, "There are no cases where a high school sophomore or junior who committed robbery and rape would be sent to a juvenile detention center. In 1994, punishments for juvenile offenders were much harsher than in 2025." He further stated that he could not believe Dispatch’s report that Jo Jinwoong was punished for robbery and rape as a teenager.

Changik Oh, Secretary General of the Human Rights Solidarity. YouTube channel 'Kim Yongmin TV'

"He Himself Claims 'No Sex Crime'... The Truth Needs to Be Examined"

Oh added, "Jo Jinwoong himself has said through his agency that 'there was no sex crime.' So, we need to carefully examine the facts." He continued, "I have actually seen the investigation records. I did not see the verdict itself, but there seemed to be some hearsay." He also remarked, "This was an enormous report that could truly ruin a person's life. Dispatch has a history of such reporting. There is a difference between a celebrity and a public figure. Actor Jo Jinwoong is not a public figure, just a celebrity."

Dispatch Reporters Accused of Violating the Juvenile Act

Meanwhile, Kim Kyungho, an attorney at Hoin Law Firm who previously served as legal counsel for former Marine Corps Investigation Chief Park Junghoon in the 'Private Chae Marine Corps Death Case Investigation Pressure Scandal,' has filed a complaint with the National Sinmungo against two Dispatch reporters who first reported on Jo Jinwoong's juvenile record, accusing them of violating Article 70 of the Juvenile Act. Article 70 of the Juvenile Act stipulates that agencies involved in juvenile protection cases must not respond to any inquiries about case details except for trials, investigations, or military needs, and violators may face up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won.

Regarding this, Attorney Kim said in a phone call with the YouTube channel 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory,' "Records of juvenile protection measures cannot be accessed or verified unless they are leaked by the family court. If Dispatch reporters requested the records and a family court official leaked them, those individuals would be considered as instigators and principal offenders, respectively." He added, "Dispatch wrote that 'Jo Jinwoong was confirmed to have been tried in a criminal court as a high school sophomore,' but 'criminal punishment' and 'juvenile protection measures' are entirely different." He also stated that he plans to file an additional complaint against the two reporters for defamation by publishing false information.