Confusion surrounding actor Jang Dong-joo is snowballing even after his retirement announcement. After abruptly declaring he was leaving the entertainment industry, a new claim emerged that, just hours before, police were called to an adult nightlife venue over an unpaid bill — fueling an even bigger controversy.
According to SBS Entertainment News on the 16th, Jang visited a nightlife establishment in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, alone on May 14, the day before his announcement. The bill reportedly came to about 3 million KRW (approximately $2,200 USD). Jang’s side allegedly told the venue that an acquaintance would settle the amount, and the venue accepted an additional sum as a prepayment. However, when the designated person never showed, police were said to have arrived at the scene in the early hours.
Some officials also claimed that Jang’s side left after promising to transfer the remaining amount by the next day. After word of the incident spread, Jang declared his retirement via his social media on May 15. He wrote, “Today will be my last day living as actor Jang Dong-joo,” adding, “I’m leaving the stage, but I won’t forget the support I received.”
The sudden announcement reportedly blindsided his agency. The company stated the decision had not been sufficiently discussed in advance, and some sources said they were having difficulty reaching Jang.
On the day after his retirement declaration (the 16th), Jang further revealed plans to sell an art center he has operated since 2020 in Bongcheon-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul. He introduced the space as a multi-purpose cultural venue suitable for performances, rentals, events, and an unmanned cafe, and said he wanted to transfer the rights quickly. The immediate move to sell, coming right after his retirement, is stoking even more questions about his current situation.
Previously, Jang sparked controversy last year when he disappeared after posting a brief apology on social media. He later explained that personal issues made him difficult to contact, but fans’ concerns did not subside. In January this year, he claimed he was the victim of phone hacking and extortion that cost him billions of KRW, saying he was harassed by blackmail, saddled with massive debt, and that the ordeal upended his entire life.
Debuting in 2012 with the play Hanyeoreumbamui Kkum, Jang gained recognition through dramas like Hakgyo 2017, Boksuga Dorawatta, Teurigeo, and Oneulbuteo Inganiimnida-man, as well as films including Motmallineun Keollingbu, Jeongjikhan Hubo, and Haenseom Gaijeu. Recently, however, his unstable behavior and sudden decisions have made his name trend more for controversy than for his works.