Actor Jo Byung-gyu, known for popular series Sky Castle, Stove League, and The Uncanny Counter, has separated from HB Entertainment, his agency for some time. On September 16, the agency stated that Jo Byung-gyu’s exclusive contract ended.
Jo Byung-gyu is one of the most wanted young actors of his generation who is loved for the range he has as an actor, as well as the depth. Jo’s career has not been easy. In 2021, he was caught up with allegations of school violence, and his career came to a pause for a period of time. Jo denied the allegations in total, and when he was able to re-emerge, after time away for the allegations, he was bound and determined to show his work as an actor and his determination.
Now, as he steps into a new chapter, fans across Asia are excited to see what comes next for him.
Official Statement from HB Entertainment
In their announcement, HB Entertainment said:
“We inform you that our exclusive contract with actor Jo Byung-gyu has ended. We sincerely thank him for the time we’ve shared based on trust, and we are grateful to the fans who have always shown love. We will continue to support Jo Byung-gyu in his future steps.”
The statement showed both gratitude for his work and support for his next chapter.
Jo Byung-gyu’s Journey with HB Entertainment
Jo Byung-gyu began his career in 2015 in the series Who Are You: School 2015. Although his original roles were minor, his acting and charm drew interest quickly.
He truly shined in Sky Castle (2018) in what was undoubtedly his breakout performance. He followed up with Stove League (2019), where he was able to showcase his rising-star profile.
But, it was his role on The Uncanny Counter (2020), which made him a big star. The fantasy-action drama found success in Korea and was even popular internationally, where he became one of next-generation lead actors.
Past Controversies & Comeback
In 2021, Jo Byung-gyu was accused of school violence allegations, and he ceased his acting career as a result of the allegations. He flatly denied the allegations against him, insisting that they are untrue.
After a period away, Jo took command of the screen again in 2023 with The Uncanny Counter 2. His return was highly anticipated, and no different than the last time he returned, his acting ability did not let him down.
Most recently, in 2025 he initiated his journey in the Wavve drama A History of Losers. His acting did not disappoint; his determination continues to shine through his work, and his returning fan base is back in totals for him.
Agency’s Parting Message
HB Entertainment concluded their statement with thanks and well wishes. They expressed their gratitude to Jo Byung-gyu for his time with the agency and emphasized the trust and commitment they had for one another.
They also expressed appreciation to the fans for their support of him throughout the time they worked with him. HB made it clear there were no hard feelings and they would sincerely support Jo Byung-gyu as he moves on to the next phase of his career.
This optimistic end represented not only the end of a contract, but also the agency’s goodwill and acknowledgment of Jo Byung-gyu’s growth as an actor.
What’s Next for Jo Byung-gyu?
As Jo Byung-gyu moves on from HB Entertainment, there is raised interest in what is next for him. With no announcements about a new agency, industry insiders have speculated that Jo Byung-gyu may soon sign to an agency that will take him to new heights in his career in Korea, and potentially further out.
With a successful career as he has shown in hit dramas Sky Castle, Stove League, and The Uncanny Counter, it is likely that he will follow up with more meaningful roles next. Fans are not just eager to see new work from him, but they want to see him be utilized in different content, regardless if it is TV, film, or working together with international counterparts.
Despite his past behavior, Jo’s steady return and consistent work have been reminders of his perseverance to audience members. With loyal fans that are standing by him, what comes next for Jo Byung-gyu is something many will watch.
Fan Reactions
When news of Jo Byung-gyu leaving HB Entertainment circulated, fans instantly took to social media to voice their responses. Fans provided their support and encouragement, emphasizing their eagerness to find out what work he will do in the future.
Some fans gave him praise and specific reasons for thanking him for his hard work up to this point while reminding fans that his talent is greater than previous controversies.
Some fans seemed to be interested in what agency he would join next and what projects he might be part of.
All in all, the online reaction to Jo Byung-gyu has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans have rallied around him and stated they will continue cheering for him, regardless of the agency he works with or what work or roles he is working on.
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Conclusion
Jo Byung-gyu’s departure from HB Entertainment ends one chapter but opens another one. He has shown his talent and versatility as an actor, from his early career in Who Are You: School 2015 to his breakout roles in series such as Sky Castle, Stove League, and The Uncanny Counter.
While his next steps are unknown, we can be sure of one thing: he is well-supported by the fans, and he possesses the talent to follow through on success. His next chapter presents them with endless opportunities, and fans will watch closely to see what the future holds.
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