Actor Jang Dong-joo, hailed as 'Good Samaritan' for stopping drunk driver, makes fresh start after brief disappearance scare

Actor Jang Dong-joo, who gained public attention as a 'Good Samaritan' for apprehending a hit-and-run drunk driver, is embarking on a new chapter after recently causing concern with a sudden, unexplained disappearance from social media.

Jang Dong-joo debuted in 2017 with KBS2's 'School 2017.' He has since showcased his acting prowess across numerous theater productions, dramas, and films. Notably, in the 2019 OCN drama 'Class of Lies' ('Mr. Temporary'), he left a strong impression as Kim Han-soo, a teenager wrongfully accused of murder, displaying acting skills beyond his newcomer status.

Since his 2017 debut, Jang Dong-joo has been active in various projects, including dramas like 'Criminal Minds,' 'My Strange Hero,' 'My Sweet Dear,' and 'Trigger,' as well as films such as 'Honest Candidate,' 'Count,' and 'Handsome Guys.' His portfolio also includes theater productions like 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and 'Spring Spring Spring,' and a music video appearance for DAY6's 'Shoot Me,' demonstrating a wide range of activities.

His commendable deed of directly apprehending a drunk driver who fled after a hit-and-run accident in 2021 brought him further public recognition as a 'Good Samaritan actor,' earning him widespread praise.

In March, Jang Dong-joo announced a new beginning by signing an exclusive contract with Nexus E&M, the agency also representing actress Song Ji-hyo. However, he recently caused concern by posting only the word 'Sorry' on his social media before abruptly going offline. At the time, his agency explained that his whereabouts were confirmed and that there were no serious issues, and the post was subsequently deleted.

The vague apology and subsequent silence led to various speculations, but the situation was resolved without major incident.

Approximately one month after the disappearance scare, on the 17th, it was confirmed by OSEN that Jang Dong-joo has mutually agreed to terminate his exclusive contract with Nexus E&M. Jang Dong-joo stated, "My exclusive contract with the agency has been concluded through mutual agreement. I am grateful to the staff at Nexus E&M for their support during our time together. I plan to continue my activities in a new environment and am open to discussions with various partners."

Meanwhile, Jang Dong-joo is slated to appear in the upcoming SBS drama 'I'm Human,' scheduled to premiere on January 16, 2026, alongside actors Rowoon and Kim Hye-yoon.

Netizens expressed a mix of curiosity and relief, with comments like, "I was so impressed by his 'Good Samaritan' image, I wonder what happened?" and "Glad everything is resolved and he's starting fresh, whatever the issue was." Many also welcomed his upcoming drama appearances, saying, "Congratulations on your comeback!"