“Juvenile Delinquent” Jo Jin-ung’s Discomfort: Why Is It the Viewers’ Burden?… The Worst “Signal,” tvN Ultimately Pushes Through [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

“Juvenile Delinquent” Jo Jin-ung (50, real name Jo Won-jun) is set to return with “Signal 2,” despite his declared “retirement.”

Previously, in December of last year, it was revealed that Jo had received a juvenile protection disposition during his teenage years (juvenile delinquency), causing significant shock among the public. According to reports by entertainment media Dispatch at the time, Jo faced criminal trial for robbery and rape under the Special Punishment Act (based on 1994 standards) while in high school and was sent to a juvenile correctional facility.

Furthermore, it came to light that he had caused social controversy even after his debut. He received a fine for assault charges after beating a theater troupe member in 2003. It is also reported that he had his driver’s license revoked following a drunk driving incident in 2007, after debuting with the film “Tale of the Last Princess” (2004). Additionally, he was suspected of assaulting rookie actor A, a manager, and staff at a movie wrap party in the 2010s.

In response, Jo Jin-ung acknowledged his mistakes and abruptly declared his “retirement.” Amidst the controversy, he stated through his agency, Saram Entertainment, “I humbly accept all this criticism and intend to cease all activities as of today, putting a period on my path as an actor,” adding, “I believe this is the proper responsibility and duty I must bear for my past mistakes.”

Although it was a voluntary retirement declaration, in reality, it amounted to being “dishonorably expelled” from the entertainment industry after 21 years since his debut.

This serves as proof that Jo Jin-ung’s transgressions were so severe that discussing a return to the entertainment industry was virtually impossible, and that social outrage over this incident was intense.

However, tvN has ultimately made the decision to accommodate Jo Jin-ung, reigniting controversy surrounding him. The network officially confirmed the broadcast schedule for its new drama “Second Signal” (hereinafter “Signal 2”), in which Jo completed filming before his retirement, with its first airing set for December 7.

On the 6th, tvN stated, “We are taking seriously the concerns and opinions sent by our viewers regarding ‘Signal 2.’ The wrongful past actions of a specific cast member (Jo Jin-ung) are an issue that cannot be viewed lightly even from the channel’s perspective.” However, they appealed, saying, “Nevertheless, ‘Signal 2’ is not the work of a single cast member. It is a collective creative product containing the time and effort of many staff, production crews, and stakeholders, from the planning stage through filming and post-production.”

It is true that “Signal 2” has already suffered significant damage due to Jo Jin-ung. Originally scheduled to air in June this year, its broadcast was postponed indefinitely. Most importantly, it has cast a major shadow on the image of an anticipated work produced to commemorate tvN’s 20th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of Season 1’s broadcast.

However, in “Signal 2,” Jo Jin-ung appears as the “righteous detective” Lee Jae-han, continuing his role from Season 1. Critics point out that it is impossible for him to convince viewers through such a realistic contradiction, given that he is tarnished by serious criminal charges.

The tvN side was also aware of the negative public opinion. They stated, “Until the (broadcast) decision was made, we examined various ways to maintain the work’s quality while minimizing concerns.” They confessed, “We sought revision methods utilizing video technology and conducted character replacement tests using AI (artificial intelligence). However, due to limitations in naturally implementing acting expressions and narrative flow, it is difficult to apply these technologies ultimately.”

Nevertheless, as a result, the tvN side appealed to emotions, shifting the risk associated with Jo Jin-ung onto the viewers. They stated, “I believe it is necessary to distinguish between evaluations of individual cast members, the value of the work itself, and the efforts of the creators who participated in it,” thereby imposing strict standards on viewers and urging their understanding.

They also reiterated a principled stance: “We clearly state that the release of the work does not mean endorsing or justifying the issue. While this decision may be difficult to resolve all the concerns you have expressed, we judged that we must also consider the efforts of those who waited for the work for a long time and the numerous actors, staff, and production crews who did their best in their respective positions to complete it. We will convey the original story and meaning of ‘Signal 2’ with value while not forgetting our responsibility as a channel.”

The failure of the AI replacement test cannot serve as an all-purpose shield, yet tvN continues to plead, asking viewers to endure the fatigue caused by Jo Jin-ung. Consequently, it appears unlikely that “Signal 2” will reach its audience.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original