[Sportschosun Park Araem] Actor Jang Dong-ju has explained why he posted a video on Social Network Service (SNS) showing self-harm. He said it was an extreme choice made to protect his family from loan sharks who repeatedly visited their home to collect debts.
According to an OSEN report on the 27th, Jang said about the video, "I sincerely bow my head and apologize for causing such a shock and concern by posting the footage on a public SNS where many people could see it."
Jang drew widespread concern last month after uploading a video of the disturbing act on his SNS. The clip came about a week after he announced his retirement, prompting many to worry about his mental state.
Jang then explained the situation in detail.
He said, "I am currently living with my mother and my underage younger sister. Because of heavy debt, I borrowed money from loan sharks while trying to juggle repayments, and when repayment was delayed, they came to our home several times." He added, "When I thought about them coming to the house while I was away, all I could think about was protecting my family."
He continued, "I told the loan sharks, 'I am sorry that repayment has been delayed. What can I do so you will not come to my home for debt collection? I will even cut off a finger, so please forgive me and do not come to my house.' When the other side said something to the effect of, 'Do you really have the guts to do that?' I immediately took the extreme action."
He said, "The video was a wrong act, driven by my belief that it would serve as a warning not to come to the home where my family lives anymore, and as a form of self-punishment for breaking a promise I could not keep." He added that the loan sharks have since stopped visiting, and that he has now been told to repay only the principal, excluding interest.
He also dismissed rumors that he had taken drugs or suffered a mental breakdown, saying, "That is not true."
Jang said, "It was a very extreme and rash decision made to protect my family's housing safety." He added, "I am not trying to claim that what I did was right. I deeply regret shocking so many people, and I am still steadily repaying my debt to fulfill my responsibility."
Regarding his recent appearance showing recovery during a TikTok Live broadcast, he said, "I received the surgery and recovered well. During the broadcast, I am wearing BB cream so the scar is as hidden as possible." He added, "Articles describing the incident as a 'show' are deeply hurtful to me and my family. I sincerely ask that people refrain from doing that."
Meanwhile, Jang drew attention earlier this year after personally revealing that he was burdened with debts totaling billions of won. On the 15th of last month, he said, "I have repaid more than 3 billion won out of about 4 billion won in debt, and I currently have around 700 million to 800 million won left." He also declared that he would temporarily suspend his entertainment activities until all remaining debt was paid off.
tokkig@sportschosun.com
