On October 26, Jang took to Instagram to share his stance, stating, "Unfortunately, it is my principle not to provide financial assistance to those experiencing difficulties. I apologize." He accompanied this message with several screenshots.
The images showed messages from various individuals asking for money, with pleas such as "Oppa, I was a victim of voice phishing," and "Please lend me 5 million won, I promise to pay you back. Just save me this once."
In response, Jang expressed his regret to the sender and shared that instead of giving the requested 5 million won, he donated the amount to a pediatric cancer ward to help children in critical need.
Jang is currently in a situation where he has not been paid for his appearance on the MBN audition show 'The Great Show: Taekwondo,' which ended seven months ago. On October 6, he voiced his frustration on social media, saying, "I was upset about not receiving my payment, but the network's serious consideration gives me hope. I hope it remains a 'Great Show' as its name suggests, not a 'No-Pay Show.'"
Jang Sung-kyu joined JTBC in 2012 after participating in MBC's variety show 'New Employee,' where he reached the final five but did not secure a position. However, an MBC official who moved to JTBC recruited him, allowing Jang to fulfill his dream of becoming an announcer when JTBC launched in 2011. He worked there for eight years before becoming a freelancer in 2019.
By Da-yeon Jeong, TenAsia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr