The situation surrounding actor Jang Dong-joo is becoming increasingly regrettable. After confessing to being hacked, revealing debts worth tens of billions of won, and suddenly announcing his retirement, his agency's hardline stance has emerged, deepening fans' worries.
Earlier, Jang Dong-joo abruptly announced his retirement on his personal social media, saying, "I will lay down my life as actor Jang Dong-joo as of today." The shock was greater because the news came right after he confessed that he had taken on huge debt after suffering phone hacking and blackmail.
He later spoke candidly during a TikTok live broadcast. On the broadcast, Jang Dong-joo explained, "Continuing my acting career might be more helpful for debt repayment, but in the current situation I don't want to harm other actors and staff."
He also mentioned the actual debt situation. Jang Dong-joo said, "I have already repaid about 3 billion won and currently still have about 800 million won left" and drew a line that he did not intend to apply for personal rehabilitation or bankruptcy. He appeared with what looked like facial injuries, raising concern. What weighed heavily on fans' hearts was his desperate plea. He said, "I received text messages saying they would report me for drugs if I don't repay the debt," and added, "I will go to the police station and undergo an investigation myself." He continued, "I told them I would repay it even if I die. I understand their anger at the delayed repayment, but please give me a little more time."
However, some allegations related to certain entertainment establishments and finances surrounding Jang Dong-joo have also emerged. Because he has not issued a direct statement, unverified information and various speculations mixed together have intensified the controversy. On the 17th, his agency Management W issued a separate official statement saying, "The retirement announcement was a unilateral decision by the actor made without prior consultation," which caused another uproar.
The agency said, in particular, that it was "a very irresponsible act that betrayed responsibilities and trust during the contract period," adding that "the trust relationship is currently at a practically irrecoverable level," and said it would review whether to maintain the contract going forward. The next contract has also become uncertain. Above all, fans responded to Jang Dong-joo's repeated plea on the broadcast, "Please help me," with comments such as "I'm worried about what might be happening" and "I hope the situation doesn't worsen."
Because several problems are entangled at once, it seems a time when additional explanations and fact-checking are more necessary than hasty speculation. It remains to be seen whether Jang Dong-joo will deliver additional comments amid his agency's hardline response.
[Photo] 'OSEN DB, SNS
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