Last November, Jang Dong-ju shocked everyone when he suddenly went missing after posting a brief “I’m sorry” on social media. His agency at the time struggled to locate him and manage the situation. While it seemed like a simple incident at first, he later left fans in shock by revealing that he had fallen into billions of won in debt after becoming a victim of phone hacking and blackmail.
During this chaotic period, he changed agencies three times. After leaving Nexus ENM during his first disappearance, he signed with Management Run, but that contract was terminated within just one month. Then, in February, he found a new home with his current agency, Management W.
Despite the ongoing turmoil, he shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Star News, saying, “Many people were worried. I plan to leave all the hardships from the end of last year until now in 2025.” He expressed his determination to continue his career, adding, “Everything will pass, and I want to return to my original mindset while solving things one by one. Whether it works out or not, I want to remain an actor.”
Amidst these situations, Jang Dong-ju also expressed his desire to produce movies by actively seeking investors and partners. This move came just one day after he had announced his retirement as an actor. While it is possible to start fresh as a producer, many view his immediate attempt to attract investment, before his previous controversies were even resolved, as irresponsible.
Perhaps mindful of the criticism, Jang Dong-ju has deleted all his social media posts. However, he continues to communicate with fans through TikTok lives, leaving the public even more conflicted about his unpredictable behavior.
From disappearing and announcing retirement to rumors of disputes over alcohol bills, Jang Dong-ju’s series of sudden actions in such a short time have reached a point where they can no longer be dismissed as mere mishaps. Although he mentions responsibility, the problem is that instead of clear explanations or responsible resolutions, more erratic behavior continues to follow.
Ultimately, the confusion and burden have fallen on those around him, his agency, and the public. With a cold gaze from the public, many wonder how Jang Dong-ju, who announced his retirement, will actually take responsibility for his choices.
