[Dispatch=Lee Myung-ju Reporter] Actor Jang Dong-joo has announced his sudden retirement. This comes approximately five months after signing an exclusive contract with his new agency.

Jang Dong-joo posted a lengthy message on SNS on the 15th. He began by saying, "I have received so much love and support throughout my time as an actor."

He left words of gratitude toward those around him. "Every moment I laughed and cried in front of the camera was the most shining time of my life," he reflected.

He conveyed his gratitude to fans who supported him. Jang Dong-joo said, "Thanks to the fans who stood by my side, I was able to walk forward happily."

He wrote, "As of today, I will put down my life as an actor" and "Though I am leaving the stage, I will not forget your hearts for the rest of my life."

Jang Dong-joo debuted with the drama 'School 2019' in 2017. He subsequently appeared in 'Revenge Returned', the film 'Honest Candidate', and 'Count'.

Last year, his disappearance caused concern among fans. At the time, his agency Nexus ENM reassured the public by saying, "We have confirmed Jang Dong-joo's whereabouts."

Afterward, he signed an exclusive contract with new agency 'Management Run'. He also confessed to having suffered tens of billions of won in financial damage due to mobile phone hacking.

<Photo=Dispatch DB>