Actor Jang Dong-ju, who had caused concern over cellphone hacking damage and large amounts of debt, announced his retirement but remained tight-lipped about its authenticity. Since then, Jang Dong-ju has continued his activities, including winding down the art center.
On the 15th, Jang Dong-ju announced his retirement, saying, "I have lived for a long time under the name of actor and have received much love and support. All the moments I laughed and cried in front of the camera were the brightest times of my life. As of today, I intend to lay down my life as actor Jang Dong-ju."
After debuting in 2012 with the play 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', Jang Dong-ju, who drew attention by appearing in dramas such as 'School 2017', 'Mr. Temporary', 'I will be your night', 'Unmasked', 'No Tail to Tell' and films such as 'Honest Candidate', 'Count', 'Handsome Guys', was so notable that the sudden retirement came as a shock.
Claims were also raised that the background to Jang Dong-ju's retirement was the cellphone hacking damage and large amounts of debt he recently experienced. In January, Jang Dong-ju surprised people by confessing that he had been the victim of cellphone hacking and blackmail. Jang Dong-ju said, "A call came from an unknown number and I learned that my cellphone had been completely hacked. I borrowed money by any means necessary. My family even sold the house for me. Because of urgently incurred debt, another debt arose and I lost billions. And I sat on a pile of debt."
Because Jang Dong-ju had shown determination by appearing in 'No Tail to Tell' despite difficult circumstances and by signing an exclusive contract with a new agency, his sudden retirement announcement caused surprise, and interest grew in its authenticity as it was reported that his agency had not discussed it.
While the agency is said to be trying to contact Jang Dong-ju to confirm the authenticity and background of the retirement announcement but has not reached him, Jang Dong-ju, who was contacted by OSEN, said in a flat voice, "If you leave questions by text message, I will answer. I am currently having a meal with my family, so it is difficult to take a call." OSEN sent questions to Jang Dong-ju about the authenticity of the retirement and whether he would retract it, but no response has come yet.
Meanwhile, Jang Dong-ju announced the sale of the art center he had operated since 2020. Jang Dong-ju said it was a "complex cultural space that brought youthful energy to Sharosugil with a variety of performances by many artists," and said he was considering a quick transfer of rights due to scheduling and asked that anyone wishing to acquire it contact him via direct message or directly.
He also said that writing down the reality and memories of pain he experienced for a year like a diary turned into a screenplay, and that he was looking for partners such as investors in the film production funds and co-production companies and angel investors for the film 'Natural Nine'. Jang Dong-ju explained, "It is a crime·thriller screenplay I wrote by adding cinematic fiction to what I experienced," and said, "Starting with this screenplay, I plan to write and produce, and someday try my hand at directing myself."
After Jang Dong-ju's retirement announcement, fans sent messages of support such as, "I know you are going through a hard time, but please hang on a little longer," "I hope you have only happy things no matter what you do," and "You were a great actor and I sincerely support your future path."
[OSEN]