by Jung Hae-In has emerged as one of South Korea’s most beloved romantic leads, earning a devoted fanbase through his authentic portrayals of complex, emotionally vulnerable characters.
From his humble beginnings as a trainee spotted eating ice cream on the street to becoming a household name, his journey to stardom is as compelling as the characters he portrays.
Here’s a comprehensive look at his most memorable Korean dramas where he played main roles.
D.P. (2021) & D.P. Season 2 (2023)
Jung Hae-In’s most critically acclaimed work came through his portrayal of An Jun-Ho, a young soldier assigned to the Deserter Pursuit unit in the South Korean military.
This Netflix series showcased his dramatic range in a completely different light, dealing with the harsh realities of military service, bullying, and institutional failures.
With ratings of 8.8 and 8.7 respectively, both seasons demonstrated his ability to carry weighty social commentary while maintaining the emotional core that makes his characters so relatable.
The series earned international recognition and proved Jung Hae-In’s versatility beyond romantic roles.
Love Next Door (2024)
Jung Hae-In’s latest triumph comes in this Netflix romantic comedy where he plays Choi Seung-Hyo, a renowned young architect who runs the atelier “In.” The series ranked as the top cable program of the day for all of its 16-episode run, featuring his reunion with childhood friend Bae Seok-Ryu after she quits her corporate job.
Cast in November 2023, Jung Hae-In confirmed his role as Choi Seung-hyo in December, and the series has been praised as one of 2024’s standout romantic comedies, showcasing his natural chemistry with co-star Jung So-min.
While You Were Sleeping (2017)
This fantasy romance drama marked Jung Hae-In’s breakthrough into leading man territory, playing Han Woo-Tak, a police officer who can see the future through dreams.
Starring alongside Lee Jong-Suk and Bae Suzy, this SBS series earned an impressive 8.7 rating and established Jung Hae-In as a formidable presence in ensemble casts. His portrayal of the loyal, principled Woo-Tak showcased his ability to create memorable supporting characters that often steal scenes from the leads.
Something in the Rain (2018)
Jung Hae-In’s first lead role came in this groundbreaking JTBC drama where he played Seo Jun-Hui, a younger man who falls in love with his older sister’s best friend. This series challenged societal norms about age-gap relationships and established Jung Hae-In as a romantic lead capable of portraying mature, complex emotions.
The drama’s realistic approach to modern relationships and his natural chemistry with Son Ye-Jin made it a cultural phenomenon, earning him recognition as one of Korea’s most promising actors.
One Spring Night (2019)
Reuniting with “Something in the Rain” writer Kim Eun, Jung Hae-In played Yoo Ji-Ho, a single father and pharmacist who falls in love with a librarian already in a long-term relationship. This MBC drama earned an 8.3 rating and further cemented his reputation as the go-to actor for nuanced romantic roles. His portrayal of a devoted father navigating complicated love showcased his ability to bring depth to characters facing moral dilemmas.
Snowdrop (2021)
In this controversial but highly-watched JTBC drama, Jung Hae-In took on the role of Im Su-Ho, a North Korean spy disguised as a university student who falls in love with a South Korean student during the 1987 pro-democracy movement. Despite the series’ political controversies, Jung Hae-In’s performance was widely praised for its emotional authenticity and his ability to portray a character torn between duty and love. The drama earned an 8.4 rating and demonstrated his willingness to tackle challenging, politically sensitive material.
A Piece of Your Mind (2020)
This tvN drama featured Jung Hae-In as Moon Ha-Won, an AI programmer who becomes involved with a recording engineer in a story about healing and second chances.
The series is described as perfect for fans of slow-burn romances, with Jung Hae-In’s character sharing a unique living arrangement with recording engineer Seo Woo.
Their relationship evolving from strangers to lovers in this sweet and endearing drama. With an 8.1 rating, the series showcased his ability to portray quiet, introspective characters dealing with loss and moving forward.
Connect (2022)
In this Disney+ thriller, Jung Hae-In played Ha Dong-Su, a man with extraordinary healing abilities who becomes connected to a serial killer.
This marked a significant departure from his typical romantic roles, showing his range in the horror-thriller genre. With a 7.7 rating, the series demonstrated his willingness to experiment with different genres while maintaining his distinctive screen presence.
Prison Playbook (2017)
Though in a supporting role as Captain Yoo Jung-Woo, Jung Hae-In’s performance in this tvN drama was so memorable that it deserves mention. With an outstanding 8.9 rating, this series about life in prison showcased his ability to create compelling characters even in ensemble pieces. His portrayal of a principled prison guard dealing with the complexities of the justice system highlighted his dramatic abilities.
Early Career Highlights
Jung Hae-In’s journey began with smaller roles that gradually built his reputation. His appearance in “Reply 1988” (2015) as Ho-Young, though brief, left a lasting impression on viewers. His supporting role in “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” (2016) as Choi Tae-Hui further demonstrated his ability to make memorable appearances even in limited screen time.
His debut came through “Bride of the Century” (2014), where he played Choi Gang-In in a supporting role. “The Three Musketeers” (2014) gave him his first taste of a main role, playing Ahn Min-Seo in this historical drama that earned a 7.8 rating.
Upcoming Projects
Jung Hae-In continues to expand his horizons with “Love Stuck” (2026), where he’ll play Jang Tae-Ha, and a cameo appearance in “Spring of Youth” (2025). He’s also set to expand his range further through romantic comedy and villain roles in upcoming projects.
The Jung Hae-In Effect
What sets Jung Hae-In apart is his ability to portray vulnerability without weakness, sensitivity without being overly sentimental. His characters often represent the modern Korean man – thoughtful, emotionally intelligent, and willing to challenge traditional gender roles. Whether he’s playing a military deserter hunter, a lovestruck architect, or a grieving AI programmer, he brings an authenticity that resonates with audiences across different cultures and age groups.
His background – from being discovered eating ice cream on the street to becoming one of Korea’s most sought-after actors – adds to his appeal. The fact that he comes from a historically significant family (his great-grandfather Jung Yak-Yong was an influential figure in the Joseon era) yet maintains his down-to-earth persona makes him relatable to audiences.
Source: https://mydramalist.com/people/6834-jung-hae-in
