Jo Se-ho has returned to the public eye with a new YouTube channel — and a fresh apology. The veteran comedian and television host launched the channel “How Can I Go If I Don’t Know?” on November 5, nearly 11 months after allegations linking him to an organized crime figure derailed his television career, using his first video to apologize once more to viewers who felt let down.
The debut video, titled “A Confession from 45-Year-Old Jo Se-ho,” premiered at 6 p.m. on November 5. In it, Jo introduces the channel’s concept: taking requests from subscribers and showing up wherever they invite him — weddings, company dinners, early-morning soccer games. The channel is produced with PDs Kim Min-seok and Park Geun-hyung, who previously worked on tvN’s “You Quiz on the Block.”
Jo said 2026 had been a meaningful year and a time to look back on the path he has taken. “I sincerely want to apologize once again for what happened before to those who felt disappointed or uncomfortable,” he said, bowing his head. “From now on, especially in my relationships with others, I’ll be more responsible and considerate, and I’ll act much more cautiously.” He added that he still feels far from perfect.
The controversy dates to December last year, when allegations surfaced that Jo was close to a businessman identified as an organized crime figure — described in some reports as the alleged ringleader of the country’s largest illegal money-laundering operation — and involved in his business dealings. Jo acknowledged knowing the man but denied any involvement in illegal activity or receiving money or valuables, and his agency, A2Z Entertainment, said it would pursue legal action over the spread of false information.
Saying he should have been more careful about the people around him, Jo voluntarily stepped down from his two flagship programs, tvN’s “You Quiz on the Block” and KBS 2TV’s “2 Days & 1 Night,” saying the allegations could burden the shows and their production teams. His only remaining regular television appearance, Netflix variety show “Doraiver,” is set to wrap up with its final episode on November 21.
No TV comeback schedule has been confirmed. For now, the new YouTube channel is Jo’s main platform for reconnecting with the public — and the first test of whether audiences are ready to welcome him back.
