Interview: K-drama star Jung Hae-in keeps the focus on his acting career
Lead male actor in Korean romance drama ‘Something in the Rain’ talks about how he is coping with his newfound stardom
Actor Jung Hae-in, 30, began his career only four years ago, but has already accomplished a great deal. He has recently risen to meteoric stardom thanks to his role in hit JTBC TV romance drama, Something in the Rain – the Korean title translates more directly as, Pretty Noona Who Buy Me Food.
In this romance drama, Jung plays Seo Joon-hee, a game designer in his early 30s who is free-spirited but determined when it comes to love. As one of the few Korean dramas to feature an older woman dating a younger man, Something in the Rain gave Jung the opportunity to experiment with the role on various emotional levels, portraying a character who is cute as well as romantic and passionate.
Jung’s appearances in previous drama series – Blood, Goblin and While You Were Sleeping – earned him steady popularity, and helped him to secure a part in Something in the Rain.
According to the Korea Reputation Center, Jung – who is known to be modest and humble – is the number one male model in brand value for commercials, followed by actor Gong Yoo and boy band Wanna One’s Kang Daniel.
Although he was busy lining up his next projects last Thursday, Jung managed to take time out from his schedule to meet with us for an interview in a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Seoul.
“I know for sure that my popularity will fade soon,” Jung told us. “I want to take deliberate steps to prove myself as an actor, so the audience will appreciate the character I play, not me.”
Q. Did you take some time out to rest following the conclusion of ‘Something in the Rain’?
A. Not really. Our drama finished on May 8, but I had other projects to finish off. I also visited Japan to promote Something in the Rain. It will be aired there from July.
Q. You’ve gained national popularity through this drama. Do you feel any different because of that?
