1. Early Life and Family
Cho Jun-ho was born on December 16, 1988, in Busan, South Korea. He comes from a family deeply involved in judo, often referred to as "the Judo Family" due to the significant participation of all family members in various aspects of the sport. His family includes his mother, father, and two younger brothers, all of whom have made public appearances alongside him, particularly on the South Korean television sports variety show Our Neighborhood Arts and Physical Education.
His identical twin brother, Cho Jun-hyun (조준현Korean, 曹準銜Japanese), is also a judoka who has competed at the national level in South Korea, including being a member of the Korean national judo team. His youngest brother, Cho Jun-hwi (조준휘Korean), is currently a member of the Korean judo national reserve team, continuing the family's legacy in the sport.
2. Education
Cho Jun-ho pursued his academic and athletic development through a structured educational path focused on sports. He attended Junghyeon Elementary School, then Samsung Middle School, and subsequently the Busan Sport High School, which specializes in athletic training. Following his high school education, he enrolled in Yongin University, a renowned institution for sports in South Korea, and furthered his studies at Yongin University Graduate School.
3. Judo Career
Cho Jun-ho's judo career is marked by his dedication as a professional athlete, his participation in numerous major international events, and his eventual transition into coaching. His journey saw him rise through the ranks to become an Olympic medalist before taking on a leadership role in the sport.
3.1. National Team Selection and Early Career
Cho Jun-ho's early career saw him develop into a formidable judoka. His selection for the national team for the 2012 Summer Olympics was particularly notable and generated some public discussion. Despite having lost twice to Choi Min-ho, a gold medalist from the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the -60 kg category, during the national team selection trials, Cho Jun-ho was ultimately chosen for the team. The Korea Judo Association clarified that his selection was based on his higher world ranking at the time, which earned him more points in the overall selection process. This decision underscored the emphasis placed on international standing in national team compositions.
3.2. Major Competitions and Medals
Cho Jun-ho achieved significant success throughout his competitive judo career, securing multiple medals at various prestigious international tournaments.
3.2.1. 2012 London Olympics
Cho Jun-ho's participation in the 2012 London Olympics was a defining moment in his career, culminating in a bronze medal in the men's -66 kg event. His path to the medal included victories over Serhiy Drebot of Ukraine and Mirzohid Farmonov of Uzbekistan, advancing him to the quarter-finals.
His quarter-final bout against Masashi Ebinuma of Japan became one of the most controversial moments of the judo tournament. During the match, Cho attempted an Uchi mata (inner thigh throw) and then transitioned into a ground technique, Ude-hishigi-waki-gatame (armpit armlock), after Ebinuma touched the mat. While Ebinuma managed to escape, there were questions raised about whether Cho's action, transitioning from a standing throw to a ground technique while falling, constituted a foul. The match proceeded into Golden Score (sudden death overtime). Ebinuma initially scored an Ouchi gari (major inner reap) for a `Yuko` (advantage point), but this was controversially overturned after a video review by the jury. The match then went to a flag decision by the referees, who initially awarded the victory to Cho. However, the jury intervened again, instructing the referees to reverse their decision, leading to Ebinuma being declared the winner. This unprecedented reversal of a referee's flag decision, and the perceived excessive interference from the jury, sparked widespread debate and criticism regarding the fairness and consistency of judging in judo.
Despite this controversial loss, Cho Jun-ho persevered through the repechage bracket. He defeated Colin Oates of the United Kingdom in the repechage round and then faced Sugoi Uriarte of Spain in the bronze medal match, where he secured the victory and the bronze medal.
3.2.2. World Judo Championships
Cho Jun-ho made notable appearances at the World Judo Championships. In the 2011 World Championships held in Paris, he secured a bronze medal in the -66 kg category. His journey to the podium included a quarter-final loss to Japan's Masashi Ebinuma, but he recovered in the repechage, defeating Rok Draksic of Slovenia with a Sode Tsurikomi Goshi (sleeve lifting and pulling hip throw) to claim the bronze. In the 2010 World Judo Team Championships in Antalya, he also contributed to the South Korean team's bronze medal finish. At the 2013 World Judo Championships, he was eliminated in the third round by Masaaki Fukuoka of Japan, losing by a `Waza-ari` (half-point).
3.2.3. Asian Judo Championships
Cho Jun-ho demonstrated strong performances at the Asian Judo Championships. In the 2011 Asian Championships in Abu Dhabi, he earned a bronze medal in the individual -66 kg event, having lost to Japan's Jumpei Morishita in the semi-finals. He also played a crucial role in the South Korean team's gold medal victory in the team event at the same championships.
3.2.4. Other International Competitions
Throughout his career, Cho Jun-ho achieved consistent success in various other international judo events, including the IJF Grand Slam and IJF Grand Prix series, and World Cups. His notable podium finishes include:
- 2008 Korea International (Suwon): 3rd place
- 2009 World Cup Suwon: 1st place
- 2009 East Asian Games: 3rd place
- 2010 East Asian Championships: 3rd place
- 2010 World Cup Rome: 1st place
- 2010 World Cup Suwon: 2nd place
- 2011 Grand Prix Düsseldorf: 2nd place
- 2011 Grand Slam Moscow: 3rd place
- 2011 World Cup Ulaanbaatar: 3rd place
- 2011 Grand Prix Abu Dhabi: 2nd place
- 2011 World Cup Jeju: 1st place
- 2012 Grand Slam Paris: 2nd place
- 2012 World Cup Oberwart: 3rd place
- 2013 Grand Slam Paris: 3rd place
- 2013 Grand Prix Ulaanbaatar: 2nd place
3.3. Coaching Career
Following his competitive career, Cho Jun-ho transitioned into coaching, applying his extensive experience and knowledge of judo to guide the next generation of athletes. He currently serves as a coach for the Korean National Women's Judo team, contributing to the development and training of elite female judokas.
4. Media Appearances and Public Life
Beyond his achievements in judo, Cho Jun-ho has cultivated a significant public profile through numerous appearances on South Korean television, which have greatly expanded his recognition and popularity. His engaging personality, characterized by unexpected humor and wit, has resonated with audiences, leading to increased public interest and high rankings in Korean search trends following his broadcasts.
4.1. Television Shows
Cho Jun-ho has participated in a wide array of television programs, showcasing his versatility as a public figure. His key appearances include:
- Our Neighborhood Arts and Physical Education (KBS, 2015-2016): He was a prominent judo coach on this sports variety show, appearing in episodes 125-130 and 132-143. His segments on the show often made headlines due to his comedic timing and insightful coaching.
- My Little Television (MBC, 2016): A variety show where celebrities host their own internet broadcasts.
- I Live Alone (MBC, 2017): A popular reality show documenting the daily lives of celebrities who live alone.
- Society Game Season 2 (tvN, 2017): A reality competition show.
- One Night Food Trip (O'live, 2017): A travel and food show.
- Ranking Show 123 (MBC, 2017): A quiz show where contestants deduce rankings.
- King of Mask Singer (MBC, 2018): He appeared as a contestant under the mask "Cactus".
- Gifted & Talented (SBS, 2018): A show featuring children with extraordinary talents.
- Law of the Jungle in Sunda Islands (SBS, 2019): He was a cast member in episodes 383-387 of this survival reality show.
- Rewind - A Game That Runs Through Time (Channel A, 2019): A game show.
- High School Lunch Cook-off (2019): Guest in episode 10.
- Playing Bro (2021): Cast member.
- Playing Bro 2 (2021): Cast member.
- Still Alive (2021): Main cast member for the Chuseok pilot.
- Wild Idol (2021): Served as a trainer on the show.
- Family Register Mate (MBC, 2022-present): He has appeared as a panelist and special member, including episode 3.
- The First Business in the World (2022): Appeared as a contestant.
- Survival Game Code Red (KBS2, 2023): A survival game show.
- Knowing Bros (JTBC, 2024): Appeared as a guest on the variety show.
5. Public Perception and Legacy
Cho Jun-ho is widely perceived as a resilient and charismatic sports figure who successfully transitioned into a beloved media personality. His public image is largely shaped by his compelling performance at the 2012 London Olympics, where he displayed remarkable sportsmanship and determination despite facing a controversial judging incident. This event, combined with his subsequent candid and humorous appearances on television, endeared him to the South Korean public, earning him the affectionate nickname "Jo Coach." His ability to connect with audiences through his wit and genuine personality has cemented his status not only as an accomplished judoka but also as a popular entertainer, leaving a legacy that spans both the athletic and entertainment spheres.