Korean actor Jang Dong-joo sparked concern among fans on May 22 after posting a graphic video on social media that appeared to show him injuring himself, before later deleting his account.
In the post, Jang wrote that he had cut off his finger because he “hated it for making so many promises” he could not keep, adding, “Get a hold of myself. This is the last chance.”
It also included an apology for uploading the video, saying he had posted it to “burn the resolution” over what he described as his “failed life” into his mind.
Jang then deleted his social media account, further fuelling concern among fans.
In January, Jang revealed that he had suffered millions of won in financial losses after allegedly being threatened by a hacker. On May 16, he announced that he would retire from acting and liquidate an art centre he had operated.
His agency later issued a statement saying Jang’s retirement announcement had been made “unilaterally” without prior discussion or consultation with the company.
“The announcement was an extremely irresponsible act that violated the responsibility and trust expected of an actor still under contract,” the agency said. “We make clear that the responsibility for the confusion and damage caused by this matter lies entirely with the actor himself.”
Jang made his stage debut in 2012 in the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream and appeared on screen in the 2017 drama School 2017. He has since appeared in Criminal Minds, Class Of Lies, Trigger and No Tail to Tell.
In 2021, he drew public attention after helping catch a drunken hit-and-run driver. – The Korea Herald/Asia News Network
