He chose an unconventional method of releasing no information about the album or himself featuring actors (Lee Byeong Heon and Kim Ha Neul) in his debut instead of personally appearing in the video.

Listed as one of the top sellers of Korean albums of all time, he earned the title "Crown Prince of Ballads".

Jo Sung Mo entered mandatory enlistment on March 30, 2006,[2] and completed his service on May 23, 2008.

He was originally agreed to hold 18 concerts, but he stopped after 16 due to a discrepancy with the performance agency over money.

On October 25, 2015, the Seoul Central District Court ruled against Jo and ordered him to pay 100 million won ($890,000 US) to the production house.