South Korean actor Jang Dong-joo has once again left fans and his agency worried after posting an emotional retirement message on social media and then becoming unreachable.
According to exclusive reporting by Star News, the announcement on May 15 came without any prior discussion with his current agency, Management W.
In his heartfelt SNS post, Jang wrote: “Today, I will lay down my life as actor Jang Dong-joo… Although I leave the stage, I will never forget the hearts you’ve sent me.” He expressed deep gratitude to fans, directors, staff, and fellow actors for the memorable moments on set, describing his career as the brightest part of his life.
A representative from Management W told reporters they had not been able to reach the actor and were still trying to verify the statement and its reasons. “There were no particular issues recently,” one official noted, adding that the agency was proceeding cautiously.
English Translation:
“Hello, this is Jang Dong Ju.
For a long time, I lived my life as an actor, and I received so much love and support. Every moment I laughed and cried in front of the camera was the brightest time of my life.
I sincerely thank the directors, staff members, and fellow actors who believed in and worked with someone as lacking as me. More than anything, thanks to the fans who always stayed by my side, I was able to walk this path happily until the end.
As of today, I intend to put down my life as actor Jang Dong Ju. Although I am leaving the stage, I will never forget the hearts you have sent me for the rest of my life.
Thank you sincerely for loving actor Jang Dong Ju for so long.
— Jang Dong Ju “
This latest episode fits a troubling pattern for the actor. Last November, he posted a black screen with a simple “I’m sorry” and vanished temporarily, prompting his then-agency to search for him. He briefly joined another management firm in December before parting ways again. In January, Jang publicly shared experiences of phone hacking, threats, and massive financial debts that reportedly forced his family to sell their home.
Despite these challenges, Jang had seemed to turn a corner. He signed with Management W in February, signaling a fresh start after starring in the recently ended SBS drama From Today, I’m Human.
Debuting in 2012 with the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Jang built a career with appearances in popular dramas like School 2017, Return of the Revenge, Mr. Period, I’ll Be Your Night, and Trigger, as well as films including Honest Candidate, Count, and Handsome Guys.
As of now, Jang’s whereabouts and the true intent behind his retirement post remain unclear. Fans have flooded social media with messages of support and concern, hoping the talented performer finds stability and perhaps returns when ready. Industry insiders continue monitoring the situation closely.
This developing story highlights the intense pressures many young actors face in the competitive Korean entertainment industry, where personal struggles can quickly become very public. Updates are expected as more details emerge.
