Jo Min-ki’s 7th Death Anniversary: MeToo Scandal Fades, but Victims’ Pain Remains
March 9, 2025, marks seven years since Jo Min-ki’s passing. The actor was found dead in 2018, leaving behind a six-page suicide note apologizing to his students and family. His death halted the sexual harassment investigation against him, as legal proceedings could no longer continue.
Before his passing, Jo Min-ki, a professor at Cheongju University’s Department of Theater, faced MeToo allegations for allegedly harassing students. While he initially declared, “I will not evade legal or social responsibility. I will relinquish everything and spend the rest of my life reflecting on my mistakes and living in self-restraint,” he died before police could interrogate him.
His death left victims in turmoil. “People called us ‘gold diggers.’ Seeing daily comments like ‘MeToo killed a person’ made me wonder, ‘Did he die because of me?’” one victim revealed. Others expressed frustration, saying, “It’s unfair that the allegations were dismissed and disappeared into thin air. Nothing was resolved, and we were left helpless. Hearing people say, ‘It’s over now,’ or ‘You’ve been through a lot’ felt frustrating and unjust.”
Meanwhile, his wife’s social media tributes, including birthday posts featuring his grave with a cake, whiskey, and cigarettes, sparked debate. While some criticized the gesture as inconsiderate toward the victims, others argued against holding his family accountable for his actions.
Jo Min-ki, who debuted in “Death Song” in 1991, had a prolific career spanning films like “The Attorney” and dramas such as “Queen Seondeok,” and “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.” Yet, his legacy remains overshadowed by controversy, leaving an unresolved chapter for his accusers.
