Actor Jang Dong-joo shocked fans by abruptly announcing his retirement from the entertainment industry and sharing a final farewell.
On the 15th, Jang revealed on his Instagram, "As of today, I plan to lay down my life as actor Jang Dong-joo," officially signaling the end of his activities. He reflected on his career, saying, "Every moment I laughed and cried in front of the camera was the brightest time of my life." He added, "I could come this far thanks to directors, staff, fellow actors, and above all, the fans," expressing his gratitude.
His decision appears to be linked to a series of recent incidents. In January, Jang confessed that his phone had been hacked and that he was blackmailed. He shared at the time, "After I picked up a call from an unknown number, my phone was completely hacked, and my personal photos, contacts, and messages were leaked."
Jang said he suffered relentless blackmail and massive financial losses. "I tried every possible way to raise money. My family even sold our home," he said, explaining that he had taken on debt in the tens of billions of won. He added, "Every day felt like hell under the endless threats," describing the severe psychological toll.
Although he appeared ready to restart activities after signing with a new agency, he ultimately chose to walk away from showbiz. His phrasing — not just taking a break but "laying down the life of Jang Dong-joo" — hints at the heavy burden he has carried.
As Jang had continued his acting career with the drama No Tail To Tell, which wrapped in February, the sudden retirement has left fans both shocked and heartbroken. He left a final message: "I may leave the stage, but I will never forget the love I've received."