Jang Dong-joo, 'Silence' Amid Allegations of Dispute Over Bar Bills One Day After Retirement Declaration [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Amid allegations that actor Jang Dong-joo was involved in a commotion where police were dispatched over a bar bill dispute shortly before his retirement announcement, he has not yet issued any statement.

StarNews contacted Jang Dong-joo multiple times on the 16th to hear his position regarding the allegations of a dispute over unpaid bar bills, but he did not respond. A representative from his agency, Management W, told StarNews, "We learned of the story through the article," and added, "We are currently finalizing our position regarding actor Jang Dong-joo." He avoided giving specific answers regarding the background of his retirement and whether his exclusive contract was terminated.

On this day, SBS Entertainment News reported that Jang Dong-joo was involved in a situation where police were dispatched to a bar in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the night of the 14th over a bar bill dispute.

According to SBS Entertainment News, Jang Dong-joo visited the establishment alone and held a drinking session. It was reported that he was given 10 million won by the establishment under the pretext of prepayment, stating that "a friend would settle the bill." At the time, the value of the alcohol was approximately 3 million won. However, his companions did not appear until 3 a.m. on the 15th, and the establishment reportedly reported the matter to the police.

Jang Dong-joo has not issued any statement regarding these allegations to date.

Earlier, on the 15th, Jang Dong-joo posted a message on his Instagram declaring his retirement, causing a stir. He said, "As of today, I intend to lay down my life as actor Jang Dong-joo. 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-joo until now."

The agency side appears unable to hide their bewilderment at Jang Dong-joo's sudden retirement declaration. According to StarNews' investigation, it was confirmed that this retirement announcement was made without prior consultation with the agency.

When contacted by StarNews on the day of the retirement declaration, Jang Dong-joo took a cautious stance regarding the background of his retirement, saying, "I will officially explain it with the company later." He added, "My parents are communicating with the company. I am currently with my family. I am sorry. I will contact you again."

Jang Dong-joo also disappeared last November, leaving only a black screen and a message saying "I am sorry" on Instagram, drawing concern from fans.

At the time, his former agency, Nexus ENM, stated, "We have lost contact with Jang Dong-joo," but 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 of last year, but shortly thereafter announced the termination of his contract.

Additionally, in January, he directly confessed to being a victim of hacking and extortion by the "Hyu Daejeon" group. He said at the time via 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 incurred, more debts piled up, and I lost billions of won. And I ended up sitting on a pile of debt." His confession evoked sympathy.

Jang Dong-joo, who announced a fresh start by signing an exclusive contract with Management W in February, has suddenly declared his retirement, drawing attention to the background behind it.

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*This content was translated by AI.