Jang Dong-Yoon Graduates Hanyang University After 15 Years
Actor Jang Dong-yoon, who rose to fame after apprehending a robber in 2015, has finally graduated from Hanyang University’s Department of Economics and Finance – 15 years after enrolling in 2011. The 34-year-old actor shared the news on social media on August 20, posting a screenshot of his academic status changed to “graduated” alongside a crying emoji. His long-awaited graduation has drawn significant attention from fans and the entertainment industry alike.
What Happened
On August 20, 2026, actor Jang Dong-yoon took to his social media accounts to announce that he had officially graduated from Hanyang University. He posted a screenshot from the university’s portal showing his academic status updated to “graduated,” accompanied by a crying emoji expressing his emotional relief.
The degree conferral ceremony for the second semester of the 2025 academic year took place that day at Hanyang University’s Seoul campus Olympic Gymnasium. Ahead of the ceremony, banners celebrating Jang’s graduation were hung across the campus, including in front of the College of Economics and Finance. One banner read: “Our Dong-yoon graduates after 15 years. Please celebrate together,” while another said: “Hanyang University Economics and Finance’s shining beauty Jang Dong-yoon, congratulations on your graduation -we support your new beginnings”.
Jang enrolled in Hanyang University’s Department of Economics and Finance as a member of the class of 2011. He was in his third year in 2015 when an incident at a convenience store in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, changed the course of his life.
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Official Statement
Jang Dong-yoon has not issued a formal statement through his agency, but he personally shared the news on his social media accounts on August 20. He posted a screenshot of his academic status change to “graduated” with a crying emoji. The actor had previously expressed frustration about his prolonged university career during a YouTube appearance last year, lamenting that he had been in his fourth year of university for ten consecutive years.
Background
Jang Dong-yoon’s path to graduation -and to stardom -is anything but ordinary.
In 2015, while still a student, Jang witnessed a man threatening a convenience store clerk with a weapon in Gwanak-gu, Seoul. Rather than fleeing, he pretended to be on the phone with a friend while secretly calling 112 to report the incident. He then pursued the robber as he fled, helping police apprehend the suspect.
The incident earned him an appearance on SBS’s 8 News, where he was dubbed the “Hanyang University handsome man who caught a robber”. His good looks and heroic actions quickly went viral online, leading to offers from entertainment agencies. He received a commendation from the Gwanak Police Station chief and the Hanyang University Ethics Award from his alma mater.
Jang made his entertainment industry debut the following year in 2016. His acting career took off with notable roles in tvN’s Mr. Sunshine (2018) as student soldier Lee Jun-yeong, and KBS’s The Tale of Nokdu (2019) as the lead character Jeon Nok-du. More recently, he starred in SBS’s Mantis: The Murderer’s Outing as detective Cha Soo-yeol, earning the Excellence Award in the Genre/Action category at the SBS Drama Awards.
Balancing a burgeoning acting career with academic obligations proved challenging. Jang was unable to complete his degree as his entertainment activities took precedence. In a past variety show appearance, he mentioned that he had been in his fourth year for ten years due to the difficulty of juggling acting and studies.
Why It Matters
Jang Dong-yoon’s 15-year journey to graduation resonates with many who face the challenge of balancing education with career demands. His story highlights the difficulties entertainers often encounter in completing academic milestones while pursuing demanding schedules in the industry.
The actor’s graduation is also a personal triumph. Having first gained public attention as a student with his heroic actions in 2015, returning to complete what he started more than a decade ago adds a meaningful chapter to his public narrative. At age 34, he can finally close this chapter of his life.
Fan Reactions
Fans have expressed overwhelming support and congratulations across social media platforms following Jang’s graduation announcement. Many commented on his perseverance and dedication, noting how impressive it is to complete a degree after 15 years while maintaining an active acting career. The banners prepared by junior students at Hanyang University’s College of Economics and Finance reflect the warm reception from both the academic community and the public.
What’s Next
Professionally, Jang Dong-yoon continues to be active in the entertainment industry. He is reportedly in discussions for the male lead role in an upcoming TVING drama tentatively titled The Night of Heaven. He is also scheduled to make a special appearance in the Disney+ adaptation of The Miracles of the Namiya General Store, set to be released next year.
Beyond acting, Jang has also been active as a film director, having directed short films including Be My Ear and the feature film Nuruk.
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