'Lost in the 4 billion won lawsuit over school violence allegations,' Jo Byung-gyu confirms 'Visitation' ahead of appeal..Fans send 'high-end lunchbox offerings' [Official]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Jo Byung-gyu (30) announced his return to activities through the play "Visitation" amid legal battles over allegations of school violence ("hakpok").

Theater Lighthouse recently released the casting lineup for its newly opening play "Visitation" on official social media. Jo Byung-gyu was included in the lineup, drawing attention.

Regarding "Visitation," Lighthouse stated: "A love story spanning ten years, set in the cold and confined space of a 'prison visiting room.' A man who visits every day to convey his daily life and apologies; a woman who finally reveals the truth she has long suppressed before the changing emotions of the man as time passes. The intersecting gazes and exploding emotional lines between the two men and women, separated by a glass wall, finally open the door." It was introduced as "a dense, well-made emotional drama that will move audiences' hearts this summer for 80 minutes."

Jo Byung-gyu is set to take on the male role, performing a two-person play with the actress playing the female lead.

This marks Jo Byung-gyu's return to the stage for the first time since his 2024 performance in "Ireland," two years later. In response, fans expressed their support by sending lunchbox offerings to the "Visitation" rehearsal room. Theater Lighthouse shared Jo Byung-gyu's verification photo and replied: "A touching gift that came to the 'Visitation' rehearsal room. The Jo Byung-gyu fan club prepared a heartfelt snack support for our 'Visitation' team! From luxurious traditional dessert sets that instantly lift your spirits just by looking at them, to refreshing drinks adorned with clever custom stickers! As soon as the pretty packaging was opened, sighs of admiration and cheers erupted among staff and actors throughout the rehearsal room."

It further added: "Especially today's support star! The face genius, acting genius Jo Byung-gyu even donned a cute pink ribbon on his head while posting a verification photo, looking happier than anyone. On stage, he completely immerses himself in the character with chilling performances that overwhelm everyone, but off-camera, he shows such adorable and affectionate contrasting charm—a perfect actor! (The handsome and talented Jo Byung-gyu is the best)."

"Visitation" will run from August 5 to September 27 at Hanseong Art Hall 2 in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Meanwhile, Jo Byung-gyu became embroiled in controversy in 2021 following claims by Person A posted on social media stating: "I was subjected to school violence by Jo Byung-gyu during my study abroad in New Zealand."

Subsequently, Jo Byung-gyu's side has consistently denied the allegations and pursued legal action. However, it is reported that Jo Byung-gyu's lawsuit against Person A for defamation resulted in a non-prosecution decision.

Furthermore, in the first-instance trial of the 4 billion won damages lawsuit filed by Jo Byung-gyu against Person A in September 2025, a verdict was rendered in favor of the defendant. At that time, the first-instance court ruled to dismiss all claims made by Jo Byung-gyu's side and ordered the plaintiff to bear litigation costs. The court also stated: "The evidence submitted by Jo Byung-gyu's side alone is insufficient to definitively conclude that the posts were false."

Jo Byung-gyu is set for the appeal trial on August 28. In this case, unlike the first instance, Jo Byung-gyu's former agency HB Entertainment was omitted from the list of appellants, and the plaintiff's claim amount has also decreased to approximately 900 million won.

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*This content was translated by AI.