[Exclusive]'Disappearing Again' Jang Dong-ju, Lost Contact After Retirement Declaration.. Agency Also "Did Not Know"

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Jang Dong-ju has been found to have suddenly declared his retirement without prior consultation with his agency.

According to a StarNews investigation on the 15th, Jang Dong-ju's retirement announcement was made without prior discussion with Management W, his agency. Currently, the agency side is attempting to contact Jang Dong-ju to verify the authenticity and background of the announcement, but reports indicate they have been unable to reach him.

An official from Management W told StarNews, "We have not yet been able to speak with actor Jang Dong-ju. (Regarding the reason for retirement) We need to verify it," and added, "There were no particular problems up until recently."

In effect, Jang Dong-ju unilaterally announced his retirement without consulting his agency. Another agency official also said, "We do not know why he posted such a message," and refrained from making further comments, stating, "It is a delicate situation for now."

Earlier, on this day, Jang Dong-ju posted a message on his SNS hinting at his retirement. He stated, "As of today, I intend to lay down my life as actor Jang Dong-ju," and added, "Although I am leaving the stage, I will never forget the hearts you have given me. I sincerely thank you for loving actor Jang Dong-ju up until now."

Jang Dong-ju continued, "Living as an actor for a long time, I received a great deal of love and support. All the moments of laughing and crying in front of the camera were the most shining times in my life," and conveyed, "I sincerely thank the directors, staff, and fellow actors who believed in and stood by me despite my shortcomings. Above all, thanks to the fans who always stayed by my side, I was able to walk happily until the end."

Jang Dong-ju's disappearance incident is not the first time.

Last November, he disappeared after leaving only a black screen and a message saying "I am sorry" on his Instagram, drawing concern. At the time, his then-agency, Nexus ENM, stated, "Jang Dong-ju is currently out of contact," and began efforts to locate him. His whereabouts were confirmed within four hours, and the situation was temporarily resolved. He later moved to Management Run about a month later in December last year, but shortly after, news of contract termination was announced.

Additionally, in January, he directly confessed to being a victim of hacking and extortion related to the "Hyu Daejeon" incident. At the time, he said on his Instagram, "I received calls from unknown numbers and learned that my mobile phone was completely hacked. I borrowed money by any means necessary. My family even sold their house for me. Due to urgent debts, more debts piled up, and I lost billions of won. And I ended up sitting on a pile of debt," revealing his plight and evoking sympathy.

He announced a fresh start by signing an exclusive contract with Management W in February, but has now disappeared again following his retirement declaration, raising concerns among fans.

Meanwhile, Jang Dong-ju debuted in 2012 with the play "A Midsummer Night's Dream." He has since appeared in dramas such as "School 2017," "Revenge of Others," "Mr. Part-time," "I'll Be Your Night," "Trigger," and films including "Honest Candidate," "Count," and "Handsome Guys." Recently, he met viewers in the SBS drama "I Am Human Starting Today," which concluded in February.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.