[Exclusive]"Whether it becomes porridge or rice, it's acting." Actor Jang Dong-ju's strange retirement [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

• Announced retirement without prior consultation with agency... When asked for the reason, Jang Dong-ju said, "I will explain later."

Actor Jang Dong-ju has suddenly declared his retirement without prior consultation with his agency, causing a stir. Just two months ago, he told StarNews, "I want to be an actor who keeps acting, whether it becomes porridge or rice," making the questions surrounding his sudden retirement announcement even more pronounced.

According to a StarNews investigation on the 15th, Jang Dong-ju's retirement announcement was made without prior discussion with his agency, Management W. The agency reportedly learned of his intention to retire through an SNS post left by Jang Dong-ju.

It is considered unusual for a retirement announcement to be made public before the management company, which oversees all aspects of the actor's activities, was informed of the matter. This is because major decisions such as retirement typically go through a coordination process with the agency and the preparation of an official statement.

The agency side is reportedly attempting to contact Jang Dong-ju to verify the authenticity and background of the retirement announcement, but communication has not been smooth. However, it is understood that they are in contact with Jang Dong-ju's parents.

In a phone call with StarNews on this day, Jang Dong-ju responded to questions about the background of his retirement by saying, "I will officially clarify with the company later," and added, "My parents are communicating with the company."

He repeatedly said only, "I will explain after communicating with the company," even when asked if the reason was due to hacking and threats against his 'Hyu Daejeon-hwa' project. When asked about the possibility of reversing his retirement, he held back, saying, "I am currently with my family. I am sorry. I will contact you again."

The agency is showing signs of being unable to hide its bewilderment over Jang Dong-ju's unilateral retirement announcement. In particular, Jang Dong-ju had stated in a StarNews exclusive interview conducted after the conclusion of the SBS Friday-Saturday drama "I Am Human Starting Today" in March that "whether it becomes porridge or rice, I want to be an actor who keeps acting." However, he has now changed his words by declaring retirement just two months later.

Adding to this, news of his appearance in the film "Our Next" was also reported on the 1st, making his sudden retirement announcement at the age of 32 this year even more puzzling.

The agency also deleted Jang Dong-ju's profile, which was listed on its official website. Interpretations suggest that they may have already begun the process of parting ways with Jang Dong-ju. An agency official stated, "We deleted the profile because there was a concern that it could cause harm to other actors."

Jang Dong-ju's impulsive behavior is not the first time. Last November, he disappeared after leaving only a black screen and a post saying "I am sorry" on his Instagram, raising concerns. At the time, his agency, Nexus ENM, stated, "Jang Dong-ju is currently unreachable," and began efforts to locate him. Contact was made within four hours, and the situation was temporarily resolved.

Thereafter, he moved to a new agency, Management Run, about a month later in December last year, but soon after, news of the contract termination was announced.

Additionally, in January, he directly confessed to the facts of hacking and threats against his 'Hyu Daejeon-hwa' project. 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 the urgent debts, more debts were incurred, and I lost billions of won. And I ended up sitting on a pile of debt," expressing deep sympathy.

He announced a fresh start by signing an exclusive contract with Management W in February, but after suddenly declaring his retirement, he also revealed plans to sell the cafe he was operating. Analysis suggests that the fact that he changed agencies twice in just four months is not unrelated to this incident.

Earlier, on the 15th, Jang Dong-ju posted a message on his SNS hinting at his retirement. He said, "As of today, I intend to lay down my life as actor Jang Dong-ju. 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 until now."

Jang Dong-ju continued, "Living under the name of an actor for a long time, I received so much love and support. All the moments of smiling and crying in front of the camera were the brightest times in my life. I sincerely thank the directors, staff, and fellow actors who believed in and supported me. Most of all, thanks to the fans who have always been by my side, I was able to walk happily until the end."

He also announced plans to dispose of the cafe he was operating. The following day, on the 16th, he stated on his Instagram, "I am selling the Colling Art Center, which I have been operating since 2020." The Colling Art Center is a cafe where Jang Dong-ju is listed as the representative, and it is a multi-cultural space where live performances and event events can also be held.

Jang Dong-ju said, "For a long time, it has injected youthful vitality into Sareogul with the diverse performances of numerous artists," and added, "It is a space that can be operated as a performance venue, rental space, event venue, and a 24-hour unmanned cafe, and it is currently operating normally." Jang Dong-ju then shared his contact information, saying, "I am considering a quick transfer of rights due to schedule constraints. If anyone wishes to acquire it, please leave me a DM or contact information, and I will get in touch."

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

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*This content was translated by AI.