Actor Cho Jin-woong's retirement sparks debate over lasting impact of juvenile records

In an era where a digital paper trail rarely fades, the sudden retirement of Cho Jin-woong, one of Korea’s most recognizable and respected actors, has forced a painful national reckoning over the limits of forgiveness and the long shadow of juvenile crime. The controversy, which saw the 49-year-old star abruptly step away from his career after a decades-old offense came to light, pits the progressive principles of juvenile rehabilitation against the modern demand for absolute accountability. The dramatic exit came swiftly after a local entertainment news outlet, Dispatch, published a report detailing a serious crime committed by the actor when he was a teenager, before he adopted his stage name. In Korea, a court-issued juvenile protection measure applies to youths ages 10 to 19 who commit crimes or delinquent acts, prioritizing protection, reform and education over criminal punishment to help them reintegrate into society. The records are kept confidential for the same reason. Cho, best known internationally for the drama “Signal,” acknowledged wrongdoing as a minor while denyingWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times