Jung Hae In, one of South Korea’s most beloved actors, has become a household name thanks to his charming presence and incredible acting skills. His journey to fame started unexpectedly when he was spotted by a casting agent at 18, simply enjoying ice cream on the street. From that moment, his path to stardom began to unfold.
Before officially debuting, Jung showcased his potential in AOA Black’s music video for “Moya” in 2013. His first big break came in 2014 when he made his acting debut in the TV series “Bride of the Century.” Since then, his career has been on a steady rise, impressing audiences with every role.
Jung’s acting abilities were solidified in his first leading role in Something in the Rain (2018), where his portrayal won the hearts of viewers. His remarkable talent is complemented by his deep family legacy, as his great-grandfather, Jung Yak Yong, was an influential figure during the Joseon era.
Now, with his role in Love Next Door, Jung continues to impress fans as Choi Seung-hyo, a charming young architect. To celebrate his evolving career, here’s a look at his must-watch dramas and movies while you enjoy Love Next Door.
1. The Three Musketeers (2014)
Set against the turbulent backdrop of the Joseon Dynasty, this action-romance drama unfolds during a period marked by political upheaval and social reform. The era is defined by the transition from Ming to Qing, with espionage and border conflicts driving the narrative.
The drama follows Crown Prince So Hyeon and his loyal bodyguards, Heo Seung Po and An Min Seo, as they investigate a volatile political environment. Their story intertwines with that of Park Dal Hyang, a yangban turned warrior whose charm and bravery make him a notable figure despite his humble origins.
Dal Hyang’s life becomes even more complicated with a love triangle involving the beautiful Yoon Seo, the Crown Princess, and the enigmatic Crown Prince So Hyeon. The romantic entanglements add depth to the already intense political drama.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Jo Mi Ryeong, So Hyeon’s first love, transforms from a beloved figure into a formidable adversary. Her quest for vengeance against the Crown Prince heightens the drama’s stakes, weaving a complex web of love, loyalty, and betrayal.
- Aired: Aug 17, 2014 – Nov 2, 2014
- No of Episodes: 12
- Cast: Jung Yong Hwa, Lee Jin Wook,Yang Dong Geun, Jung Hae In, Seo Hyun Jin, Yoo In Young
- Streaming Platform: Tubi
2. Tune in Love: Movie (2019)
Set against the backdrop of South Korea in the 1990s, this romantic melodrama unfolds with the vibrant energy of the music and radio waves that define the era. The story begins in 1994, when Yoo Yeol debuts as the new DJ for the popular radio show “Music Album.” At the same time, college student Mi Soo crosses paths with Hyun Woo, a chance encounter that sparks a deep connection.
As their lives intertwine, the radio show becomes a comforting thread, weaving through their separate lives. Despite their growing bond, external circumstances and the ebb and flow of life create a challenging path for the couple. Their love story is marked by moments of serendipity and separation, reflecting the complexities of timing and fate.
By 1997, amid the IMF crisis, Mi Soo and Hyun Woo reconnected through another radio program, only to find that their timing remains frustratingly off. Their love, though genuine, struggles against the backdrop of economic hardship and personal obstacles.
Ultimately, the film follows the bittersweet nature of love and timing, depicting a romance that is as fleeting and fragile as the radio waves that bring them together.
- Release Date: Aug 28, 2019
- Duration: 2 hr. 2 min.
- Cast: Jung Hae In, Kim Go Eun
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
3. Start-Up: Movie (2019)
In a bold move, Go Taek-il leaves home against his mother’s wishes and finds himself working at a Chinese restaurant managed by the imposing Geo-seok. This decision follows a run-in with the police for riding without a helmet with his friend Woo Sang-pil, leading Taek-il to impulsively head to Gunsan. At the restaurant, Taek-il meets the vibrant chef Megaseok, who inspires him to stay and work.
Meanwhile, Sang-pil, struggling to support his family, takes a job in a private loan business. Initially expecting easy money, Sang-pil soon encounters brutal realities. After a violent confrontation with a debtor, he learns that Taek-il’s mother, Jeong-hye, is among the clients burdened by debt.
Jeong-hye’s toast shop, established to manage her financial woes, faces demolition due to illegal building regulations. Upon discovering the plight of his mother’s business, Taek-il attempts to fight back against the oppressive loan sharks but finds himself unable to change the dire situation. This movie highlights the tough realities and challenges faced by Taek-il and Sang-pil in their adult lives.
- Release Date: Dec 18, 2019
- Duration: 1 hr. 41 min.
- Cast: Ma Dong Seok, Park Jeong Min, Jung Hae In
- Streaming Platform: Viki, Prime Video
4. While You Were Sleeping (2017)
While You Were Sleeping merges romance, legal drama, and fantasy into a compelling narrative. The story follows three young adults with the unique ability to see the future through their dreams.
Nam Hong-joo (Bae Suzy), a field reporter, experiences dreams of future crimes. Rookie prosecutor Jung Jae-chan (Lee Jong-suk) and police officer Han Woo-tak (Jung Hae-in) also share this gift. Their dreams disclose both ominous events and criminal activities.
Troubled by these visions, the trio works together to prevent their foreseen disasters. Jae-chan takes the lead in investigating crimes revealed in their dreams. Hong-Joo and Woo-tak support him, forming a united front against fate.
Their main antagonist is the corrupt lawyer Lee Yoo-beom (Lee Sang-yeob). As they strive to stop his malevolent plans, the trio faces the challenge of changing their seemingly predetermined futures.
While You Were Sleeping captures the tension and emotional depth of altering destiny. The show intertwines the trio’s personal struggles with their fight against impending doom.
- Aired: Sep 27, 2017 – Nov 16, 2017
- No of Episodes: 32
- Cast: Bae Suzy, Lee Jong Suk, Lee Sang Yeob, Jung Hae In
- Streaming Platform: Viki
5. Prison Playbook (2017)
Kim Je Hyuk, a celebrated baseball player, faces a shocking fall from grace when he is sentenced to a year in prison. His arrest follows an incident where he used excessive force to stop a man attempting to sexually assault his sister.
The drama intensifies as Je Hyuk encounters his childhood friend, Lee Joon Ho, in the prison walls. Once a promising baseball player, Joon Ho abandoned his sports career after a car accident and now serves as a prison guard. Despite his new role, Joon Ho remains a dedicated fan of Je Hyuk.
As Je Hyuk observes his time behind bars, the series showcases his interactions with fellow inmates and the challenges he faces. The story delves into themes of redemption, personal growth, and the complexities of friendship.
The show captures the tension of prison life while highlighting Je Hyuk’s journey towards self-discovery and reconciliation. Through his struggles, Je Hyuk’s relationship with Joon Ho becomes a beacon of hope and resilience.
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6. Something in the Rain (2018)
Yoon Jin Ah, a woman in her mid-30s, has struggled with relationships due to her clumsy and reckless behaviour. Her romantic misadventures reach a low when her fiancé breaks up with her, calling her bland and unappealing.
Just when Jin Ah feels disheartened, her childhood friend’s younger brother, Joon Hee, reappears in her life. Once a little kid she knew next door, Joon Hee has grown into a charming and attractive man.
Jin Ah is taken aback by Joon Hee’s transformation, and her feelings start to shift. His refreshing presence offers a glimmer of hope that this time, she might find true love.
As Jin Ah realizes her feelings, she begins to see Joon Hee as more than just a childhood friend. Their evolving relationship brings new possibilities and the chance for a meaningful connection.
- Aired: Mar 30, 2018 – May 19, 2018
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Son Ye Jin, Jung Hae In
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
7. Unframed: Movie (2021)
“Unframed” is an innovative 4-part film project that marks the directorial debuts of Park Jeong Min, Son Suk Ku, Choi Hee Seo, and Lee Je Hoon. Each episode is uniquely directed by one of these talented actors, showcasing diverse storytelling approaches.
One notable entry in the project is Blue Happiness directed by Lee Je Hoon, a close friend of Jung Hae In. This short film follows the realistic concerns faced by young adults in their 20s and 30s, focusing on the complexities of investment techniques like stock trading. The film features a strong cast, including Lee Dong Hwi, Kim Da Ye, Tang Jun Sang, and Pyo Ye Jin, adding depth to its narrative.
Each episode of “Unframed” brings a fresh perspective, combining personal experiences and societal issues into compelling storytelling.
- Release Date: Oct 7, 2021
- Duration: 2 hr. 10 min.
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8. One Spring Night (2019)
Feeling stifled in a stagnant four-year relationship and hesitant about marriage, Lee Jung In finds herself in Yu Ji Ho’s pharmacy one morning. Nursing a hangover from a night out with friends, she realizes she has forgotten her wallet and cannot pay for her purchases.
Despite Jung In’s initially prickly demeanour, Ji Ho helps her out with genuine kindness. What starts as a simple act of assistance gradually turns into a deeper connection between them. Their daily interactions evolve into a secret friendship as they bear the pressures and expectations imposed by their families and society.
As their bond strengthens, Jung In and Ji Ho must balance their growing feelings with the constraints of their existing commitments and social norms.
- Aired: May 22, 2019 – Jul 11, 2019
- No of Episodes: 32
- Cast: Han Ji Min, Jung Hae In, Kim Joon Han
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
9. A Piece of Your Mind (2020)
Moon Ha Won, a leading figure in artificial intelligence, is renowned for his groundbreaking work and his influential portal site, M&H. Known for his dedication and calm demeanour, Ha Won commands respect in the AI industry while maintaining a reputation for kindness and rationality. His belief that a small fraction of love is enough to sustain him is put to the ultimate test when Han Seo Woo enters his life.
Han Seo Woo, a classical music recording engineer, leads a life marked by hardship and solitude. With no family to support her and no permanent home, Seo Woo has faced numerous challenges. Yet, her optimistic outlook and belief that everything happens for a reason keep her going. As fate intertwines her path with Ha Won’s, the two begin an unexpected journey together.
Their contrasting worlds—Ha Won’s structured, tech-driven life and Seo Woo’s free-spirited, musical existence—blend in surprising ways. Through their connection, they discover that despite their differences, they may be the perfect complement to each other, proving that sometimes, two seemingly different lives can indeed come together to form a harmonious whole.
- Aired: Mar 23, 2020 – Apr 28, 2020
- No of Episodes: 12
- Cast: Jung Hae In, Chae Soo Bin
- Streaming Platform: Viki
10. D.P (2021)
Set in 2014, D.P. follows Private Ahn Jun-ho, a typical soldier who unexpectedly takes on a specialized role in the Korean military defector arrest team. His new mission involves capturing deserters and exploring the deeper reasons behind why some soldiers feel driven to flee.
The series exposes the harsh realities of military life in South Korea, emphasizing the intense bullying, hazing, and survival-of-the-fittest mentality that pervades the ranks. It reveals how those perceived as “weak” often endure severe treatment from their superiors and peers.
As Jun-ho partners with Corporal Han Ho-yeol, they face the challenges of tracking down deserters. Their journey uncovers the intense pressures and traumatic experiences that soldiers endure, shedding light on the often concealed struggles inside the military system.
D.P. provides a raw and unflinching view of military service, highlighting the impact of systemic issues on individual lives and the emotional toll of being part of a demanding and unforgiving environment.
- Aired: Aug 27, 2021
- No of Episodes: 6
- Cast: Jung Hae In, Koo Kyo Hwan, Kim Sung Kyun, Son Suk Ku
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
11. Snowdrop (2021)
In 1987, a bloody man bursts into a women’s university dormitory in Seoul. Young Ro, a female student who falls for him at first sight during a group blind date, tends to him despite the intense surveillance and danger surrounding them. Her world is turned upside down when she discovers his secret.
Despite his deep feelings for Young Ro, Soo Ho is forced to follow orders to protect his teammates and return to his home country, where his sibling awaits. Young Ro, defying her father’s wishes, joins forces with Soo Ho to rescue her beloved and safeguard her friends.
As they investigate the perilous situation, their fates hang in the balance. Will Young Ro and Soo Ho overcome the obstacles and find a way to be together, or will the challenges they face tear them apart?
- Aired: Dec 18, 2021 – Jan 30, 2022
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Jung Hae In, Kim Ji Soo
- Streaming Platform: Disney+
12. Connect (2022)
This story follows the enigmatic journey of Ha Dong Soo, a member of a new human race known as “Connect,” characterized by their immortal bodies. After being abducted by organ traffickers, Dong Soo has one of his eyes removed.
To his horror, Dong Soo discovers that the stolen eye has been implanted in a serial killer. This connection grants him the disturbing ability to see through the killer’s eyes. Determined to stop the murderer from claiming more victims, Dong Soo embarks on a relentless pursuit to prevent further bloodshed.
The narrative delves into the chilling consequences of this forced bond, as Dong Soo grapples with his newfound powers and the dark reality of the serial killer’s actions.
- Aired: Dec 7, 2022
- No of Episodes: 6
- Cast: Jung Hae In, Go Kyung Pyo
- Streaming Platform: Disney+
13. D.P Season 2 (2023)
Season 2 picks up directly from the events of Season 1, continuing to highlight the harsh realities of South Korea’s military environment. While the first season focused on the experiences of enlisted soldiers, this season shifts the lens to the senior officers, exposing systemic issues such as corruption and discrimination, including LGBTQ+ biases.
The series probes deeper into whether the military institution is culpable for the violent actions of soldiers who have been mistreated by their peers. Through the eyes of the military desertion arrest team members, Jun Ho and Ho Yeol, the season discloses the persistent absurdities and entrenched issues in the military system.
As the duo confronts these challenges, they grapple with the striking and unchanging nature of their environment, shedding light on the broader implications of military misconduct and systemic abuse.
- Aired: Jul 28, 2023
- No of Episodes: 6
- Cast: Jung Hae In, Koo Kyo Hwan, Kim Sung Kyun, Son Suk Ku
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
14. Actors on Journey: Reality Show (2023)
The reality show “Actors on a Journey” featured actors Im Si Wan and Jung Hae In, both born in 1988, as they explored the picturesque landscapes of Scotland. Known for their deep friendship and mutual love of whiskey, the two set off on a journey through one of the world’s top whiskey-producing regions.
Throughout their travels, Im Si Wan and Jung Hae In showcased their contrasting travel preferences and MBTI personality types, adding a dynamic edge to the show. Im Si Wan charmed locals with his conversational skills, while Jung Hae In provided affectionate support, highlighting their strong chemistry.
Their adventure not only celebrated Scotland’s rich whiskey culture but also offered viewers a sneak of their unique personalities and the special bond they share.
- Aired: Aug 23, 2023 – Aug 30, 2023
- No of Episodes: 2
- Cast: Jung Hae In, Yim Si Wan
- Streaming Platform: Viu