Top 7 Must-Watch Jung Hae-in K-Dramas and Movies: Snowdrop, D.P., and Beyond

Jung Hae-in made his mark in the Korean entertainment industry by debuting in 2014 with the independent film The Youth and the drama Bride of the Century. Unlike many of his peers, he chose to embark on his acting career post his military service. Additionally, he has a notable lineage as the great-grandson of Jeong Yak-yong, a prominent figure from the Joseon era.

Initially, Jung Hae-in concentrated on honing his craft, taking on various cameo roles in independent films and dramas. He had a memorable appearance in Gong Yoo’s The Guardian: Lonely and Great God, where he played Eun-tak’s first love.

Hae-in gained widespread recognition for his ability to embody diverse roles across multiple genres, from action to melodrama. His talent has been acknowledged with several awards, including the Grand Bell Award for Best New Actor.

Jung Hae-in: From Militant to Lover Boy – A Range of Characters

Love Next Door
While You Were Sleeping
D.P.
Something in the Rain
Tune In For Love
Snowdrop
12.12. The Day

1) Love Next Door

Love Next Door (Image via tvN) — *Love Next Door* (Image via tvN)

Released in August 2024, Jung Hae-in stars in the romantic comedy Love Next Door, where he plays Choi Seung-hyo, a composed entrepreneur managing an architectural firm. Opposite him is Jung So-min as Syuk-ryo, who returns from America disheartened by her career and relationship failures.

As Syuk-ryo endeavors to revive her life, her bond with her childhood friend Seung-hyo deepens into romance. The plot thickens when she learns of her health condition.

Love Next Door is available for streaming on Netflix.

2) While You Were Sleeping

While You Were Sleeping (Image via SBS TV) — *While You Were Sleeping* (Image via SBS TV)

While You Were Sleeping (2017) interweaves elements of romance, fantasy, and law, showcasing three main characters: a police officer, a reporter, and a prosecutor, portrayed by Jung Hae-in, Bae Suzy, and Lee Jong-suk respectively.

Bae Suzy’s character, Nam Hong-joo, experiences prophetic dreams that come true, while Lee Jong-suk plays a rookie prosecutor. Jung Hae-in is seen as Han Woo-tak, a compassionate and attractive police officer, contributing to the dramatic courtroom storyline.

This gripping drama is available on Apple TV.

3) D.P.

D.P. (Image via Netflix) — *D.P.* (Image via Netflix)

D.P., directed by Han Jun-hee (known for Hit-and-Run Squad), premiered in 2021 and stars Jung Hae-in alongside Koo Kyo-hwan.

In the series, Jung Hae-in plays Ahn Jun-ho, a pizza delivery worker who enlists in the military. Soon after, he is assigned to the D.P. unit, where he partners with Koo Kyo-hwan for missions.

The second season, released in 2023, continues to portray the harsh realities of military life.

This drama is available for streaming on Netflix.

4) Something in the Rain

Something in the Rain (Image via JTBC) — *Something in the Rain* (Image via JTBC)

Something in the Rain unfolds a romantic narrative showcasing the complexities of an age-gap relationship. It centers around Yoon Jin-ah, played by Son Ye-jin, as she navigates social stigma following her breakup with a cheating boyfriend.

Unexpectedly, Jin-ah finds love with Seo Joon-hee (Jung Hae-in), her best friend’s younger sibling. Their relationship blossoms amid the struggles of secrecy and public acceptance.

Viewers can stream this touching drama on Netflix.

5) Tune In For Love

Tune In For Love (Image via Netflix) — *Tune In For Love* (Image via Netflix)

is a 2019 melodrama featuring Jung Hae-in as the lead, alongside Kim Go-eun. The film captures their meeting in a bakery, where they both bond over past traumas yet struggle to maintain their timing in love.

This beautifully simplistic film has garnered extensive recognition, with Jung Hae-in winning awards such as the 56th Grand Bell Award for Best New Actor in 2020, and the Popularity Award at the 2019 London East Asia Film Festival.

Tune In For Love is available on Netflix.

6) Snowdrop

Snowdrop (Image via JTBC) — *Snowdrop* (Image via JTBC)

Snowdrop, which premiered in 2021, sparked controversy due to its depiction of the Korean Democratic Movement. It stars BLACKPINK’s Kim Jisoo and Jung Hae-in, focusing on their love story amid the politically charged backdrop of 1987.

Set during a tumultuous period, the narrative unfolds as Eun Yeong-ro (Kim Jisoo) inadvertently saves North Korean spy Lim Soo-ho (Jung Hae-in), leading to an unexpected romance.

The series features a talented supporting cast including Kim Hye-yoon, Kim Min-kyu, and Yoo In-na, among others.

Snowdrop can be streamed on Disney+.

7) 12.12. The Day

12.12. The Day (Image via KlockWorx Co.ltd) — *12.12. The Day* (Image via KlockWorx Co.ltd)

12.12. The Day is an essential film in Jung Hae-in’s career, celebrated globally. Directed by Kim Sung-su, it became the highest-grossing Korean film of 2023.

Set against a historical backdrop, the plot kicks off with the assassination of President Park Chung-hee and discusses the military rule that follows, focusing on the coup d’état led by defense commander Chun Doo-kwang.

This film is available for viewing on Prime Video.

In addition to these prominent roles, Hae-in’s illustrious journey includes appearances in I, The Executioner, The King’s Case Note, A Piece of Your Mind, One Spring Night, Connect, etc., showcasing his exceptional acting range.

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