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At age 38, Jung Hae-in has established himself as one of the most beloved South Korean actors of his generation. Behind his image as the perfect romantic hero lies, above all, an actor capable of shifting from a restrained romance to much darker characters. It’s a versatility that KDrama Kopi readers also highlight: in your comments, D.P., Snowdrop, Something in the Rain and One Spring Night are consistently ranked among his best performances.
So, which roles are must-sees for anyone wanting to discover Jung Hae-in? Here are our 7 Must-Sees.
1. D.P., Ahn Jun-ho
If there were only one role to highlight the full extent of Jung Hae-in’s talent, it would probably be this one. In D.P. (Deserter Pursuit)., he embodies Ahn Jun-ho, a young soldier assigned to a unit tasked with tracking down deserters from the South Korean army. As he carries out his missions, he discovers the violence, humiliation, and injustices that drive some soldiers to flee.
A character far darker than his romantic roles, brought to life by a particularly understated and intense performance. In fact, several readers have described him to us as his best performance.
- Where to watch? Netflix, which offers both seasons.
2. *Something in the Rain*, Seo Joon-hee
This is the drama that truly turned Jung Hae-in into a star. In Something in the Rain, he plays Seo Joon-hee, a young man who reunites with Yoon Jin-ah (Son Ye-jin), his sister’s best friend. Their sibling-like relationship gradually gives way to a romance complicated by their age difference and the judgmental eyes of those around them.
In it, Jung Hae-in showcases the subtle acting style that would become his trademark: great tenderness, pauses, and above all, a gaze capable of conveying so much without dialogue.
- Where to watch? Netflix, depending on the country.
3. Snowdrop, Lim Soo-ho
A complete change of atmosphere with Snowdrop. Set in Seoul in 1987, the drama stars Jung Hae-in as Lim Soo-ho, an injured man taken in by college student Eun Yeong-ro, played by Jisoo of BLACKPINK. But behind his appearance as a college student lies a much more dangerous identity.
Romance, espionage, action, and tragedy intertwine in a role that requires Jung Hae-in to constantly shift between tenderness and coldness. It’s a particularly intense performance, one that’s also frequently cited as a favorite among our readers.
- Where to look? On Disney+, even in France.
4. One Spring Night, Yoo Ji-ho
After Something in the Rain, Jung Hae-in reunites with director Ahn Pan-seok for an even more mature romance. He plays Yoo Ji-ho, a pharmacist and single father, whose life is turned upside down when he meets Lee Jeong-in (Han Ji-min), who is already in a long-term relationship.
Far from grand romantic declarations, One Spring Night centers on indecision, difficult choices, and family pressures. Jung Hae-in delivers one of his most natural and touching performances in the series.
- Where to look? On Netflix.
5. Love Next Door, Choi Seung-hyo
In 2024, Jung Hae-in returns to romantic comedy with Choi Seung-hyo, a successful architect whose childhood friend Bae Seok-ryu (Jung So-min) reenters his life. Amid embarrassing memories, bickering, and long-buried feelings, their relationship gradually evolves into a romance.
A lighter role that allows the actor to showcase his funny and charming side. While some viewers found the romance less convincing in the second half, Love Next Door It remains one of the most popular dramas in his recent filmography.
- Where to look? On Netflix.
6. Prison Playbook, Captain Yoo Jeong-woo
Before becoming one of the leading men of Korean romance, Jung Hae-in had already shown that he could excel in complex roles. In Prison Playbookhe performs Yoo Jeong-woo, nicknamed «Captain Yoo,» an officer who was imprisoned after being accused of assaulting a soldier who later died.
Wary and withdrawn upon his arrival in prison, the character gradually reveals his wounds and his story. A second role that proved pivotal in the actor’s career.
- Where can I watch it? Availability varies by country ; the series is available on Netflix in certain regions.
7. Our Sticky Love, Jang Tae-ha
We can't wrap this up without mentioning his most recent role. In Our Sticky Love, released on Netflix in August 2026, stars Jung Hae-in as Jang Tae-ha, a former boxer turned coach who reunites with his first love after she—a district attorney—loses her memory. He then decides to make her believe that he is her boyfriend.
The series brings back the romantic Jung Hae-in that fans love, but also gives him more intense and dramatic moments. It’s the perfect way to bring together the two sides that have made him so popular.
📺 Where to watch? Netflix.
From Seo Joon-hee, the hopelessly smitten lover of Something in the Rain, to Ahn Jun-ho, the tormented soldier from D.P., Jung Hae-in has built a surprisingly diverse filmography. And while he excels in romantic roles, his darker roles perhaps demonstrate the breadth of his talent even more.
What about you—which of Jung Hae-in's roles made the biggest impression on you?
Great article about Jung Hae-in, who struggled a lot with his acting skills before *D.P.* Thank you