Actor’s Unexpected Retirement Sparks Agency Investigation
Jang Dong Ju shocks fans with sudden retirement announcement — agency blindsided
Actor Jang Dong Ju stunned fans on May 15, 2026 (KST) by posting on social media that he’s quitting acting. The announcement came without any heads-up to his agency, Management W, sparking concern and confusion.
His full statement said he’s ending his career as an actor and thanked fans, directors, and co-workers for their support.
“Hello, this is Jang Dong Ju.
For a long time, I lived my life as an actor, and I received so much love and support. Every moment I laughed and cried in front of the camera was the brightest time of my life.
I sincerely thank the directors, staff members, and fellow actors who believed in and worked with someone as lacking as me. More than anything, thanks to the fans who always stayed by my side, I was able to walk this path happily until the end.
As of today, I intend to put down my life as actor Jang Dong Ju. Although I am leaving the stage, I will never forget the hearts you have sent me for the rest of my life.
Thank you sincerely for loving actor Jang Dong Ju for so long.
— Jang Dong Ju”
Management W said they were caught off guard. They hadn’t talked to him before the post and said,
“We have not been able to speak with actor Jang Dong Ju yet. We need to confirm the reason for his retirement as well.”
They added there had been no recent issues and that Jang Dong Ju has been unreachable since the announcement. This isn’t the first time fans have worried. Last year he posted a black screen with “I’m sorry” then vanished for hours before resurfacing.
Earlier this year, Jang Dong Ju revealed he was a victim of phone hacking and blackmail. He said the incident left him with huge debt, his family even sold their home to help. He pushed back on rumors about phone contents, saying there were private documents and contracts involved.
Despite this, Jang Dong Ju had just signed with Management W in February and returned to acting. He appeared in SBS’s No Tail To Tell and was filming the movie Our Next as of May 1.
Later on May 15, Jang Dong Ju spoke briefly on the phone with Star News. When asked about why he quit, he said:
“I will organize things officially with the company and speak later. My parents are communicating with the company.”
When questioned if it was related to the hacking, he wouldn’t confirm and said:
“I am with my family right now. I’m sorry. I will contact you again.”
Fans are left worried and waiting for further updates from Jang Dong Ju and his agency.
Sources: xportsnews, Star News (1), Star News (2)