After a sudden disappearance, a claim of phone hacking, and an announcement of retirement, actor Jang Dong-ju has posted a troubling, unstable message on social media, sparking fresh concern. A string of abrupt actions and confusing posts has fans and the public increasingly worried.
On the 22nd, Jang uploaded a post harshly blaming himself, along with a video depicting self-harm. Jang wrote, "Promises I’ve failed to keep with myself more than thousands of times. The countless promises I couldn’t keep to my family, friends, acquaintances, and colleagues. And the promise I made last with my father, sealed with a pinky swear, that I still failed to keep," adding, "I resent this pinky finger that made so many promises I couldn’t keep."
This isn’t the first sign of instability. In October last year, Jang wrote a brief "I’m sorry" and then vanished, alarming fans. Early this year, he revealed his phone had been hacked and claimed it caused financial losses in the tens of billions of won.
Although he hinted at a fresh start afterward, on the 15th he suddenly declared his retirement, once again causing shock. At the time, his agency publicly expressed regret, saying Jang’s announcement was a unilateral decision made without prior consultation.
With back-to-back incidents and unpredictable social media postings, concern is mounting over Jang’s current condition. A once-busy actor has, in a short span, faced hacking, a retirement declaration, and controversy over unstable posts—heightening the sense of alarm and sorrow.
Born in 1994, Jang Dong-ju first gained recognition through Hakgyo 2017 and continued his career with appearances in multiple projects, including Teurigeo and Oneulbuteo Inganimnida-man.
Many believe this situation shouldn’t be dismissed as a simple mishap and that he needs ample time for recovery and stability. Given the intense public attention, some urge viewers to avoid sensational consumption and instead focus on supporting Jang’s treatment and recovery.