Actor Jang Dong-ju has personally shared his feelings following his sudden retirement announcement.
During an SNS live broadcast early on the 17th, Jang Dong-ju said, “I am sorry for causing concern with recent events.” He reassured fans, adding, “First of all, I am doing well. While a lot has happened, as you might worry, I am healthy and alive. You don’t need to worry.”
Debt issues were pointed out as the background for his retirement. Jang Dong-ju confessed, “I currently have a lot of personal debt. With the help of my family and acquaintances, I have paid back over 3 billion won out of approximately 4 billion won. About 700 to 800 million won in debt remains.” He further expressed his determination to take full responsibility for the remaining amount, stating, “I will not file for bankruptcy.”
He also clarified why he chose retirement over continuing his career. “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 facing significant debt issues, I could cause losses for the other actors and staff involved.” He added, “I believed that normal acting activities were impossible while feeling the pressure of debt every day.”
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean a complete break. He left the door open, saying, “If there is an opportunity to return someday, I will try to do so.”
Previously, on the 15th, he announced his sudden retirement via SNS, stating, “As of today, I intend to let go of my life as actor Jang Dong-ju. Although I am leaving the stage, I will never forget the love you have shown me.” The situation caused a stir as the decision was reportedly made without prior discussion with his agency.
Meanwhile, Jang Dong-ju did not provide a specific position regarding allegations that police were called to an entertainment establishment just before his retirement announcement due to an unpaid bill. According to an SBS Entertainment News report, he reportedly had a gathering worth about 3 million won at an establishment in Seoul and said, “An acquaintance will pay,” but the police were called when the acquaintance failed to appear.
Jang Dong-ju debuted in 2012 with the play ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and has appeared in dramas such as ‘School 2017’, ‘Revenge’, and ‘I’ll Be Your Night’, as well as movies like ‘Count’ and ‘Handsome Guys’.
