Agency issues an official statement and warns of a firm response over actor Jang Dong-ju's sudden retirement announcement.
Management W said in an official statement, "The retirement announcement by Jang Dong-ju recently reported through the media and SNS was the actor's unilateral decision made without any prior discussion or consultation with the agency." It went on to explain that "the agency had not been informed of the matter in advance and became aware of the situation after the announcement."
In particular, the agency called the matter "a very irresponsible act that betrayed the responsibilities and trust of an actor under contract," adding, "The actor is fully responsible for the confusion and damage caused by this." It also said, "We judge that the trust relationship with actor Jang Dong-ju has reached a level that is virtually irrecoverable, and we will carefully review all matters, including whether to maintain the exclusive contract going forward."
Earlier, Jang Dong-ju surprised fans by suddenly announcing his retirement on his personal SNS, saying, "I intend to lay down my life as actor Jang Dong-ju as of today." Because the announcement came after recent reports of phone hacking damage and the confession of debts amounting to tens of billions of won, fans' concerns grew.
With the agency directly saying "there was no prior discussion" and expressing strong regret, attention is focused on Jang Dong-ju's future statements and whether he will continue activities.
Below is the full official statement.
Hello. This is Management W.
First, we apologize to the fans who cherish and support our actor Jang Dong-ju and to those involved in the popular culture and arts community for causing concern with this sudden news.
The retirement announcement by actor Jang Dong-ju that was reported recently through the media and SNS was the actor's unilateral decision made without any prior discussion or consultation with the agency.
The agency was not informed of the matter in advance and became aware of the situation after the announcement.
We make clear that this matter was a very irresponsible act that betrayed the responsibilities and trust of an actor under contract, and that the actor is fully responsible for the confusion and damage caused by this.
The agency is doing its best to manage the situation with the parties and partner companies harmed by the actor's unilateral decision, and is responding to the matter with a stern stance.
We judge that the trust relationship with actor Jang Dong-ju has reached a level that is virtually irrecoverable, and we will carefully review all matters, including whether to maintain the exclusive contract going forward.
Once again, we deeply apologize to the fans and those involved for causing concern.
Thank you.
[Photo] SNS
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