Actor Jang Dong-ju Announces Retirement Following Struggles with Hacking and Massive Debt

Actor Jang Dong-ju, who previously opened up about phone hacking and billions of won in debt, has announced his retirement.

On the 15th, Jang Dong-ju shared the news via social media, stating, “As of today, I intend to lay down my life as actor Jang Dong-ju.”

He reflected on his career, saying, “I received so much love and support while living as an actor. Every moment I spent laughing and crying in front of the camera was the brightest time of my life.”

He also expressed his deep gratitude to those who supported him.

“I am sincerely grateful to the directors, staff, and fellow actors who believed in me and stayed by my side,” he shared. “Above all, it was thanks to the fans who always stood by me that I was able to walk this path happily until the end.”

He added, “Although I am leaving the stage, I will never forget the love you’ve shown me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for loving actor Jang Dong-ju.”

Jang Dong-ju had previously caused concern when he went silent after posting a short “I’m sorry” message on SNS on October 31 last year. In January, he revealed that he suffered billions of won in losses due to phone hacking and threats.

At the time, he explained, “I received a call from an unknown number and realized my phone had been completely hacked. I borrowed money by any means necessary. My family even sold their house for me. Because of the urgent debts, more debts piled up, and I lost billions of won. I ended up buried in debt.”

Despite signing an exclusive contract with Management W in February and announcing the filming of Director Kim Gil-young’s new movie ‘Our Next’ on the 1st of this month, he has suddenly decided to retire.