Jang Dong-joo Retires From Acting Amid Hacking and Debt Disclosures

Actor Jang Dong-joo has announced his retirement from the entertainment industry, citing phone hacking, blackmail, and significant debt. The actor posted the announcement on social media on May 15 without consulting his agency, which has since been unable to contact him.

Key Facts

• Jang revealed his phone was hacked last summer, allowing a blackmailer to obtain personal photos, chat logs, and contact lists.
• The actor denied "body cam" suspicions, stating the hacked data instead included sensitive items such as non-disclosure agreements.
• The blackmail resulted in several billion won (~$2.3M - $4.5M USD) in debt; Jang's family sold their home to assist him, and he admitted to lying to acquaintances to borrow money.
• His agency, Management W, was not informed of his retirement and is attempting to reach him to verify the situation.
• This follows a November 2024 incident where the actor went missing for four hours after posting a concerning Instagram message.
• Jang debuted in 2012 and appeared in School 2017, Mr. Temporary, Trigger, and the film Handsome Guys.
• His retirement cancels his appearance in the film Our Next, announced two weeks ago.

Key Quote

"Inside my phone, there is an inexhaustible amount of data that should not be opened, such as non-disclosure agreements." — Jang Dong-joo

Next

• Jang pledged to live diligently to repay all borrowed money despite leaving the industry.
• Management W continues to seek contact with the actor to clarify the background of his announcement.
• Our Next production will proceed following Jang's withdrawal.