Known for his versatility and natural affinity for acting — Jung Hae In has starred in several hit Korean movies and dramas. Some of the more popular of these have been romantic titles — seeing him play everything from a heart-eyed video game developer to a dreamy graduate student fighting for democracy. Ahead of the release of Love Next Door, we look at a few such titles that had our hearts fluttering.
Despite having had a late introduction to the world of entertainment, Jung Hae In has established himself as an actor to watch out for. He kicked things off by making appearances in music videos and having cameos in popular titles. Today he has quite the impressive, albeit crisp, filmography and has starred alongside the who’s who of the industry. Not to mention, he’s also one of South Korea’s highest-paid brand endorsers. And while he’s dabbled in a range of genres — melodrama to action, it’s his loved-up titles that have a permanent place in the hearts of fans.
“I want to try different genres instead of leaning towards a specific genre. I haven’t starred in a romance drama in four to five years and I feel it’s about time to do another one,” the actor had told Korea Times in an interview in 2023. A year later, he’s set to star in the highly anticipated Love Next Door as a young architect who falls for a product manager, after she returns to her hometown to catch a break from her busy lifestyle. In honour of this, we’re looking at some of the most swoon-worthy dramas and movies of Jung Hae In that will make you believe in love again.
Dreamy movies and dramas of actor Jung Hae In for your next binge sesh
Directed by: Oh Chung-hwan
Cast: Lee Jong-suk, Bae Suzy, Lee Sang-yeob, Jung Hae-in
Episodes: 16
Release date: 27 September 2017
Synopsis: Reporter Nam Hong-joo (played by Bae Suzy), prosecutor Jung Jae-chan (played by Lee Jong-suk), and police officer Han Woo-tak (played by Jung Hae-in) have dreams that are prophetic. Some guide them towards cases worth investigating, others reveal impending disasters. The three work together to keep these dreams from turning to reality. Soon enough, love blossoms.
About the drama: This show made Jung Hae-in a household name. For his performance, he bagged a nomination in the Excellence Award, Actor in a Wednesday–Thursday Drama category in the 2017 SBS Drama Awards.
Directed by: Ahn Pan-seok
Cast: Son Ye-jin, Jung Hae-in, Jang So-yeon
Episodes: 16
Release date: 30 March 2018
Synopsis: District supervisor Jin-ah (played by Son Ye-jin) meets her best friend’s brother and video game developer Seo Joon-hee (played by Jung Hae-in) after he returns from a stint abroad. The two navigate love while tackling their respective age differences.
About the show: The drama marked the actor’s first lead role — placing him in headlines and earning him awards at the 2018 The Seoul Awards and 6th APAN Star Awards. “I could definitely tell our drama has received huge acclaim from the public. There were fans following us around on outdoor shoot sets,” he told Korea Times.
3 /5
Directed by: Jung Ji-woo
Cast: Kim Go-eun, Jung Hae-in
Release date: 28 August 2019
Synopsis: After being released from prison in 1994, Hyun woo (played by Jung Hae-in) applies to be a part-timer at a bakery owned by Kim Mi-soo (played by Kim Go-eun). The two open up to each other and fall in love.
About the movie: “The flick is like my self-portrait,” Jung Hae-in told Korea Times, adding, “As I filmed, I attempted to handle the uneasiness stemming from my youth.” The movie broke sales records and received acclaim from critics and viewers alike.
4 /5
Directed by: Lee Sang-yeob
Cast: Jung Hae-in, Chae Soo-bin, Lee Ha-na, Kim Sung-kyu
Episodes: 12
Release date: 23 March, 2020
Synopsis: AI programmer Moon Ha-won (played by Jung Hae-in) crosses paths with music recording engineer Han Seo-woo (played by Cha Soo-bun). While both have a good heart, the former is more stable and the latter is chaotic without a family or home.
About the show: Although the show recorded low ratings, fans enjoyed seeing Jung Hae-in as the leading man of a romance title. “I’ve played characters with unrequited love before,” the actor was quoted saying by Soompi with regards to his character and performance. “Based on that, I am putting a lot of thought into it.”
5 /5
Directed by: Jo Hyun-tak
Cast: Jung Hae-in, Jisoo, Yoo In-na, Jang Seung-jo, Yoon Se-ah, Kim Hye-yoon, Jung Yoo-jin
Episodes: 16
Release date: 18 December 2021
Synopsis: During the democracy movement in South Korea, blood-soaked graduate student Im Su-ho (played by Jung Hae-in) ends up injured. Only to be cared for by student Eun Young-ro (played by Jisoo) who hides him from the authorities at the risk of her own life. Soon enough, the two fall in love.
About the show: The drama recorded jaw-dropping viewership ratings. Reflecting on the character, the actor told Soompi, “If you look at it one way, the character of Im Su-ho is a pure youth, but he’s a man with strong leadership that changes after meeting Young-ro and discovers the emotions of love.”