Actor Jang Dong-ju spoke about his feelings directly on a live broadcast after suddenly announcing his retirement from the entertainment industry while leaving behind debt worth several hundred million won.
Jang Dong-ju held a TikTok live broadcast in the early hours of the 17th. In that broadcast, he directly explained the situation and his feelings regarding his recent sudden retirement.
Earlier, it was reported that Jang Dong-ju retired from the entertainment industry while owing debt of several hundred million won. In response, questions arose from fans asking whether continuing to work as an actor and remaining in the entertainment industry would help more with repaying the debt. Jang Dong-ju replied, "I don't know. That may be true, but in the current situation I must not cause harm to other actors or staff."
He also left the door open about a possible return to the entertainment industry, saying, "Acting isn't the only profession in the world. If there is an opportunity to return someday, I will try it," while also explaining, "Now is not the time. I think it would be better to focus on repaying the debt."
Jang Dong-ju also revealed the actual debt situation. He has already repaid 3 billion won, but still has 800 million won in debt remaining. However, he drew a line at applying for personal rehabilitation or bankruptcy.
He said, "If I don't repay the debt, I received a text saying they will report me for drugs. I will visit the police station tomorrow and undergo a drug investigation," he said. He also appealed, "What I want to ask creditors is that I am trying to repay through my efforts, but if you continue to attack me it will become more difficult. I fully understand that you are angry because repayment is delayed, but please help a little."
Above all, Jang Dong-ju added, "If I don't pay on time I will be punished. I said I will repay until I die. I can act, but I do not want to pursue my ambition for acting to the point of harming others."
In addition, Jang Dong-ju was embroiled in allegations about paying for drinks at an adult entertainment venue and the resulting police dispatch, but he did not comment on those matters. Earlier, one media outlet reported that on the night of the 14th Jang Dong-ju drank alone at an adult entertainment venue in Seocho District, Seoul, spending about 3 million won, and that the venue received 10 million won as an advance payment on the pretext of a friend settling the bill, but because his companions did not appear until the early morning of the 15th the venue reported it to the police. It was later reported that on the same day Jang Dong-ju posted a retirement message on social media, which drew even more attention.
Jang Dong-ju is an actor who debuted in 2012 in the play "A Midsummer Night's Dream." He became known through the drama "School 2017" and also appeared in dramas such as "Mr. Temporary," "I Will Be Your Night," "Unmasked," and "No Tail to Tell," as well as films including "Honest Candidate," "Count," and "Handsome Guys."
He previously drew attention after losing contact with his former agency once. Later, he confessed that he had been a victim of extortion following a phone hacking incident in January and revealed the large debt and the difficulties that followed. Four months later, on the 15th, he suddenly announced his retirement, attracting even more attention. <
[Photo] OSEN DB, SNS source, provided by Management W.
[OSEN]