Overseas fans split over Cho Jin-woong's retirement after past crime resurfaces

SEATTLE — When news broke last week that Cho Jin-woong would retire from acting, it hit like a thunderbolt. Many international fans were caught off guard, unsure how a teenage crime from decades ago could suddenly end a long and respected career. Reactions abroad have been complicated. Some viewers felt shocked and disappointed. Others tried to understand the context in Korea, where public figures are often expected to uphold strict personal standards. Many said they needed more information before deciding how to feel. The story has raised difficult questions about how societies balance justice, accountability and the possibility of change. Supporters have been vocal, with one international fan writing on a popular Reddit thread, “It seems like he did his time and cleaned his act up. Unless there are additional instances of misconduct for which he wasn’t punished already, it’s a real shame he’s had to quit acting for this.” Another commenter questioned Korean cultural expectations, saying, “Is rehabilitation or forgiveness considered unobtainable?” A third added, “WhatWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times