Jang Dong-joo Retires After Paying Off 3 Billion Debt

Actor Jang Dong-joo confessed that he has paid back over 3 billion won out of approximately 4 billion won in debt, with 700 to 800 million won remaining, explaining the background of his hiatus from acting. He apologized for causing concern through a live broadcast on his social media and stated that he is doing well and is healthy. Appearing with a facial injury, he explained that it was inflicted by a creditor.

Jang Dong-joo revealed that the reason for declaring his retirement as an actor was due to his debt problems. He explained that he judged that continuing his acting career while his debt issues were unresolved could cause harm to the production crew and fellow actors, and that it was difficult to carry out normal acting activities while feeling the pressure of debt every day. Although he had discussions for future projects and various roles, he added that he did not want to cause losses by participating out of his own greed.

He reiterated his stance that he does not intend to file for bankruptcy or personal rehabilitation and will take full responsibility for repayment until the end. He also claimed to be receiving threatening messages from some creditors, including a text message threatening to report him for drug offenses if he did not repay his debts. In response, he stated, "​I will go to the police station tomorrow to undergo a drug investigation." Jang Dong-joo promised to take responsibility and repay his debts, urging reporters to refrain from sending threatening messages and calls, such as those threatening to report him for drug-related issues.

Jang Dong-joo had previously announced his retirement on his Instagram on the 15th, stating, "Today, I will lay down my life as actor Jang Dong-joo." This announcement was reportedly made without prior consultation with his agency, ManagementW. He did not make any specific statement regarding recent allegations of police being called to a nightlife establishment due to unpaid bar tabs.

He hinted that it was not a complete severance by saying, "If there is an opportunity to return someday, I will try to do so." Jang Dong-joo debuted in 2012 with the play "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and has appeared in dramas such as "School 2017," "My Strange Hero," and "Night Korean," as well as films like "Count" and "Handsome Guys."