[Exclusive]'Sudden retirement' Jang Dong-ju, son of a construction company chairman: Overcoming 4 billion won in debt to challenge IPO [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

Jang Dong-ju, who gave up his acting career while shouldering hundreds of millions of won in debt, is now transforming into an entrepreneur and embarking on a new challenge. He is expanding the scale of his company, Wusun Group Co., Ltd., and accelerating preparations for an initial public offering (IPO).

On the 21st, Jang Dong-ju told StarNews that Wusun Group has established a medium-to-long-term growth strategy for its IPO and is strengthening its business competitiveness.

Jang Dong-ju explained, "Building on our experience in content and entertainment gained through acting, as well as our academy and agency operations, we are expanding concrete business initiatives while broadening Wusun Group's portfolio to include investments, cultural arts, and space-related projects."

According to him, Wusun Group operates several subsidiaries, including Wusun Investment, Wusun Stay, Calling Art Center, Kwangdae Acting Academy, and D2J Seongsu. The group plans to strengthen synergies between businesses by leveraging the expertise of each subsidiary.

It is reported that Jang Dong-ju received hands-on training in corporate management and organizational operations from his father, who has operated World General Construction for decades. Based on this experience, he has maintained a consistent interest in corporate growth strategies, investments, and business expansion alongside his acting career.

Wusun Group stated, "We are currently solidifying our existing businesses while actively seeking external investments." The group plans to expand investments in high-growth new ventures and content projects, strengthening its competitiveness through collaborations with strategic partners and investors.

Aggressive M&A (mergers and acquisitions) is also being pursued as a key growth strategy. The company is reviewing strategic acquisitions and investments targeting businesses that can generate synergies with its existing operations in content, entertainment, cultural arts, investment, space, and accommodation, aiming to gradually expand the group's scale and business portfolio.

Jang Dong-ju is broadening his activities from actor to creator and now entrepreneur, taking on new challenges.

Previously, he began his acting career in 2012 with the play "A Midsummer Night's Dream." He has since appeared in numerous works, including dramas such as "School 2017," "Revenge Has Come Back," "Mr. Part-time," "I'll Be Your Night," "Trigger," and films like "Honest Candidate," "Count," and "Handsome Guys." Most recently, he continued his acting career by appearing in the SBS drama "We Are Human from Today," which concluded in February.

However, in May, he suddenly announced his retirement from acting, drawing widespread attention. At the time, he explained the reason for his retirement: "Although I have repaid over 3 billion won of the approximately 4 billion won in debt caused by hacking and extortion threats targeting my family's Daejeon residence, I still owe around 800 million won, making normal acting activities difficult."

Following this, he expanded his activities as a creator. In July, he signed an exclusive contract with Universe Label, a YouTube live content company led by Ryu Jae-yeong (CEO), laying the foundation for his comeback. After the contract, Jang Dong-ju made his first appearance on Spartan Label's live broadcast operated by Universe Label. It is reported that he generated approximately 20 million won in donations during a single live session.

He also gained recognition on TikTok. Within just three weeks of starting his live broadcasts, Jang Dong-ju advanced to the A1 League and secured victories in live matches against other celebrity creators such as actor Park Si-hoo and singer-producer MC Mong. It is reported that he previously earned an average of about 1 million won per day and 30–4 billion won per month through TikTok live broadcasts.

At the time, Jang Dong-ju expressed his firm determination to repay all remaining debts by actively engaging in various fields. He stated, "My top priority right now is to do my best in any endeavor to fully repay all outstanding debts." He also added, "Once I have fulfilled all responsibilities, if given the opportunity, I would like to return as actor Jang Dong-ju."

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*This content was translated by AI.