Scandals strike South Korean entertainment scene

South Korea's entertainment industry is ending 2025 in turmoil as a succession of revelations and allegations engulf some of its biggest stars.

- 

Actor Cho Jin-woong's abrupt retirement, comedienne Park Na-rae's escalating legal battle with her former managers and comedian Jo Se-ho's alleged ties to organised crime have left TV networks scrambling and the industry on edge.

Cho's (right) controversy erupted on Dec 5 when a South Korean media outlet reported that the 49-year-old had been sent to juvenile detention in high school on charges including robbery and sexual assault under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes.

His past incidents in adulthood also resurfaced in the report, including an assault on a fellow theatre troupe member in 2003 and a drink-driving case that resulted in his licence suspension.

His agency, Saram Entertainment, acknowledged "wrongdoing committed as a minor", but denied any involvement in sexual assault.

A day after the report, Cho announced his immediate retirement. "I accept all criticism and will halt all activities as of today," he said. "I intend to bring my acting career to a close."