The August 7 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House featured Jung Hae In and Ha Young as guests. The two stars are currently promoting their Netflix original series Our Sticky Love.
During the episode, host Hong Jin Kyung brought up one of Jung Hae In’s most iconic dramas, Something in the Rain, which aired in 2018. In the series, Jung Hae In played the younger man in a romance with Son Ye Jin, who is six years older than him. His sweet performance earned him widespread popularity and cemented his image as one of Korea’s most beloved “younger boyfriend” stars.
Hong Jin Kyung recalled one particularly memorable moment, asking, “There was a scene in Something in the Rain where you smiled while drunk, and clips of it circulated widely online. Were you actually drunk at the time?”
The scene in question was none other than Jung Hae In’s drunken kiss with Son Ye Jin. He revealed that the scene was filmed after he actually drank alcohol. “I really did drink alcohol before filming. I had a few drinks, started feeling the effects, and then told the director, ‘I’m ready,’ before shooting the scene,” Jung Hae In explained, revealing the surprising detail behind his realistic performance.
Jung Hae In also opened up about how he entered the entertainment industry. He revealed that he had originally planned to pursue a science-related university major before suddenly changing his career path. “I was originally planning to go into a science and engineering field, but then I suddenly changed direction. I was discovered through a street casting and ended up making my debut,” he recalled. “I was originally a very introverted and quiet person, but acting gave me a way to express things and relieve stress. I found it fascinating to see myself stepping forward and performing in front of other people, and I felt a sense of catharsis from it.”
Having made his debut at the relatively late age of 26, Jung Hae In admitted that his journey into acting was far from easy. “I didn’t attend an acting academy when I was in middle or high school. So it was extremely difficult for me, and I had to work even harder,” he said.
Jung Hae In then expressed his gratitude to veteran actress Kim Hae Sook, who became an important mentor during the early stages of his career. The two previously worked together in the 2016 drama Yeah, That’s How It Is, in which Jung Hae In played her son.
“I played her son, and she took such good care of me and taught me a lot about acting. She even invited me to her home, cooked for me, and did one-on-one script readings with me. I was incredibly grateful,” Jung Hae In said.
He went on to recall that Kim Hae Sook could be intimidating and strict when it came to acting. “She was quite scary and very strict. I was lacking in many ways and couldn’t keep up with her, so one time during practice, she told me, ‘I’m not going to teach you anymore. Get out,’” he recalled. “But how could I leave? I just stayed there and kept trying.” Jung Hae In said one particular piece of advice from Kim Hae Sook has stayed with him throughout his career. “She told me, ‘You have to do well for me to survive too. Acting isn’t something I can do well on my own. Let’s do well together.’ Those words have stayed with me for a long time,” he said, once again expressing his appreciation for the veteran actress.
Sources: Daum