[Exclusive] From “I’ll Keep Acting No Matter What” to Sudden Retirement: The Confusing Exit of Jang Dong-ju

According to a Star News report on the 15th, actor Jang Dong-ju’s retirement announcement was made without any prior discussion with his agency, Management W. It appears the agency only learned of his intention to retire through his SNS posts.

Industry insiders point out that it is highly unusual for an actor to publicly declare retirement before their management company, which oversees their entire career, is even aware. Typically, major decisions like retirement involve coordination and the preparation of an official statement with the agency.

Management W is reportedly attempting to contact Jang Dong-ju to verify the authenticity and background of the announcement, but communication has not been smooth. However, they are reportedly in contact with his parents.

In a phone call with Star News, Jang Dong-ju was asked about the reasons behind his retirement. He stated, “I will clarify it officially with the company later,” adding that “my parents are communicating with the company.”

When asked if the decision was due to phone hacking and blackmail, he simply repeated, “I will speak after communicating with the company.” When asked about the possibility of reversing his decision, he remained cautious, saying, “I am with my family right now. I’m sorry. I will contact you again.”

The agency is reportedly bewildered by this one-sided announcement. This is especially surprising because in an exclusive interview with Star News in March, following the end of the SBS drama Today I am Human, Jang Dong-ju had said, “Regardless of the outcome, I want to be an actor who keeps acting.” Now, just two months later, he has completely changed his stance.

With news of his casting in the movie Our Next having been shared just on the 1st, the sudden retirement of the 32-year-old actor is leaving many puzzled.

The agency has already deleted Jang Dong-ju’s profile from their official website. This has led to interpretations that they are effectively parting ways. An agency official stated, “We deleted the profile because we were concerned it might negatively affect other actors.”

Previously, about a month later in December of last year, he joined Management Run, but news of his departure followed shortly after.

Additionally, in January, he personally confessed to being a victim of phone hacking and blackmail. Through Instagram, he revealed, “I received a call from an unknown number and found out my phone was completely hacked,” adding, “I borrowed money by any means necessary. My family even sold their house for me. Due to the urgent debts, more debts piled up, and I lost billions of won. I ended up in a mountain of debt,” which left fans heartbroken.

Although he announced a fresh start by signing with Management W in February, he suddenly declared retirement and announced plans to sell his cafe. Some analyze that moving agencies twice in just four months is likely related to this current situation.

Jang Dong-ju continued, “I have received so much love and support while living as an actor for a long time. Every moment I laughed and cried in front of the camera was the most shining time of my life.” He added, “I sincerely thank the directors, staff, and fellow actors who believed in and stayed with me. Above all, I was able to walk happily until the end thanks to the fans who always stayed by my side.”

He also shared plans to dispose of the cafe he was operating. On the 16th, he announced via Instagram, “I am selling the Calling Art Center, which I have operated since 2020.” Calling Art Center is a complex cultural space where Jang Dong-ju is listed as the representative, hosting live performances and events.

Jang Dong-ju stated, “Through various performances by many artists, we brought youthful energy to Sharosu-gil.” He noted that the space can be operated as a performance venue, rental space, event hall, or a 24-hour unmanned cafe, and is currently operating normally. He shared his contact information, adding, “I am considering a quick transfer of rights due to my schedule. Those wishing to acquire it, please send me a DM or leave your contact information.”

Meanwhile, Jang Dong-ju, who debuted in 2012 with the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream, has appeared in dramas such as School 2017, Revenge, Mr. Temporary, I’ll Be Your Night, and Trigger, as well as movies like Honest Candidate, Count, and Handsome Guys. Most recently, he met viewers through the SBS drama Today I am Human, which ended in February.