Actor Jang Dong-ju, who recently shocked fans with a sudden retirement announcement, has finally opened up about his current situation and feelings.
During a live broadcast early on the 17th, Jang Dong-ju shared, “I’m sorry for causing concern with recent events. First, I want to let you know that I’m doing okay. While a lot has happened, as you might worry, I am healthy and well. Please don’t worry about me.”
Addressing his sudden departure from acting, he clarified, “I plan to pause my acting activities for a while.” He also confessed to facing severe debt issues, stating, “The hacking incident is in the past. Currently, I have a lot of personal debt. With the help of my family and acquaintances, I’ve paid back over 3 billion won out of approximately 4 billion won. About 700 to 800 million won still remains.” He added, “There is still a lot of debt left. I intend to do my best to pay it all back, and I’m working hard to clear everything, regardless of the job, so I can be honorable toward my creditors.”
Jang Dong-ju also spoke about the pressure and threats he’s been facing. “I woke up to find 400 missed calls,” he revealed, adding, “I received messages saying I would be reported for drug use if I didn’t repay the debt.” He appealed to the public, saying, “I plan to visit the police station myself to take a drug test. I will take full responsibility for the money, so please stop the threatening calls and messages claiming you’ll report me for drug use.”
Explaining his decision to stop acting, he said, “This wasn’t just a personal choice, but a decision for the people I work with.” He explained, “I felt that if I participated in a project while my debt issues were unresolved, it could cause harm to the production team and my fellow actors.”
However, he did not mention allegations that he was involved in a commotion involving police at a nightlife establishment over an unpaid alcohol bill just before his retirement announcement.
According to a report by SBS Entertainment News on the 16th, Jang Dong-ju visited a nightlife establishment in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul alone on the night of the 14th. The alcohol bill at the time was reportedly around 3 million won.
The report further stated that Jang Dong-ju allegedly received 10 million won as a pre-payment from the establishment, claiming that “an acquaintance would pay.” However, the promised companion never showed up, leading the establishment to report him to the police.
An insider told SBS Entertainment News, “I understand that Jang Dong-ju was allowed to go home after promising to deposit 13 million won by 6 PM the following day.” The retirement post on SNS appeared shortly after.
Meanwhile, Jang Dong-ju had previously confessed in January that he incurred billions of won in debt due to phone hacking and blackmail. Then, on the 15th, he suddenly announced his retirement, writing, “As of today, I am stepping down from my life as an actor. Although I am leaving the stage, I will never forget the love you’ve shown me. I am sorry to everyone who supported me.”
