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

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Jang Dong-ju, who gave up his acting career while shouldering tens of millions of won in debt, is now reinventing himself as a businessman and embarking on a new challenge. He is expanding the scale of Uson Group Co., Ltd., which he leads, and accelerating preparations for an initial public offering (IPO).

On the 21st, Jang Dong-ju told StarNews that Uson Group has formulated a mid-to-long-term growth strategy for its IPO and is working to strengthen 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 business experience, we are expanding the concretization of our business while broadening Uson Group's portfolio to include investments, cultural arts, and space-related projects."

According to him, Uson Group operates several subsidiaries, including Uson Investment, Uson Stay, Calling Art Center, Kwangdae Acting Academy, and D2J Seongsu. The group plans to strengthen synergies between businesses based on 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, Jang Myeong-cheon (Chairman). Based on this experience, he has maintained a continuous interest in corporate growth strategies, investments, and business expansion alongside his acting career.

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

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

Jang Dong-ju is broadening his activities from actor to creator and now as a businessman, 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 the dramas "School 2017," "Revenge Has Returned," "Mr. Part-time," "I'll Be Your Night," "Trigger," and the films "Honest Candidate," "Count," and "Handsome Guys." He also starred in the SBS drama "We Are Human Starting Today," which concluded last February, continuing his activities as an actor.

However, he made headlines in May when he suddenly announced his retirement from acting. At the time, he explained the reason for his retirement: "Although I have repaid more than 3 billion won out of approximately 4 billion won in debt incurred due to hacking and extortion related to the 'Hye Daejeon' incident, there is still about 800 million won in remaining debt, making normal acting activities difficult."

Afterward, 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. Following the contract, Jang Dong-ju made his first appearance on Spartan Label's live broadcast operated by Universe Label. It is reported that he recorded approximately 20 million won in donations during a single live session.

He also made waves 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 biggest goal right now is to do my best in any task and definitely repay all remaining debts." He also added, "After fulfilling 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.View Original