Jung Hae In looks back on his experiences and achievements in 2024

"It seems I was just lucky. (laughs)." Actor Jung Hae In looks back on his experiences and achievements in 2024.  

In an interview with Daily Sports conducted at FNC Entertainment building in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Jung Hae In shared, "This year felt like a whirlwind as I was busy with my schedule. Still, I'm grateful and happy because I received so much love," he said with a bright smile.

Jung Hae In was among the most buzzworthy Korean actors of 2024. The K-movie 12.12: The Day, in which he made a special appearance, surpassed 10 million viewers as soon as the new year began. The tvN drama Love Next Door, which aired in August, garnered public attention from domestic and international audiences. Following that, I, the Executioner, released domestically in September, attracted 7.52 million moviegoers, becoming the most successful Chuseok holiday film. It also marked the highest box office score among films starring Jung Hae In. 

"Since I, the Executioner has become the biggest hit in my filmography, it feels even more meaningful to me. After all, I, the Executioner is a commercial film, and I'm an actor who works in popular art. I feel immense joy and gratitude knowing so many people watched it." 

The domestic success of I, the Executioner can be attributed to various factors, but Jung Hae In's passionate promotional efforts played a significant role. He is said to have attended over 330 stage greetings, fueling the film's momentum at the box office. He laughed playfully as he shared, "People around me asked if it was part of my contract." 

"I think it's something I obviously should do as a lead actor, and it also came from love for this work. It's the most obvious answer, but it was only possible because people came to watch [the movie]. Also, seeing the (audience) response build momentum encouraged me to work even harder. On a personal level, it was such a meaningful time. There were moments when it was physically exhausting, but seeing the audience gave me so much healing."

It's a memory he can now laugh about, but during his involvement in I, the Executioner, from joining the project to even after its release, Jung Hae In was weighed down by a lot of pressure. The first installment Veteran was a massive hit, surpassing 13.41 million viewers, and Jung Hae In's character, Park Sun Woo, was positioned as the next notorious villain after the iconic Jo Tae Oh (Yoo Ah In). As Jung himself put it, I, the Executioner was a film for which "at best, we hoped for [reaching the] break-even point." 

"It felt like both a stroke of luck and a burden at the same time," he admitted. "If the movie didn't do well, it would've been easy for people to say, 'It's because of him.' With so many possible outcomes, the pressure was intense. But I realized that dwelling on that pressure wouldn't solve anything, so I decided to just accept it. On set, I just focused on doing my best in each moment. Now, looking back, I feel a greater sense of accomplishment knowing that I was able to carry that burden and we [the cast and crew] succeeded together."

Jung Hae In has consistently been cast in roles that align with his clean-cut image since his debut. However, with  I, the Executioner, he successfully took on his first villainous role, expanding his acting range and changing the perception of both the industry and the public toward him. 

"Thrillers and crime dramas are coming my way much more than before. I guess [the industry] people want to see more of that side of me (laughs). In I, the Executioner, I played a bad guy, but he wasn't a character whose evilness was blatantly obvious. There was a somewhat, ambiguous vibe about him. But lately, I've been getting offers for characters who are outright mean and blatantly wicked." 

When asked if he is interested in playing these types of characters, he said, "I'm interested in [playing] all kinds of roles." "There are no limits to the types of acting I want to try. Even I'm curious about how far I can go and what I can accomplish. There's still so much I haven't tried yet." "I've only played one villain role in my 11th year since my debut. I still have a long way to go," he said with a smile.

Of course, the expansion of his acting spectrum wasn't the only thing Jung Hae In gained from I, the Executioner. The film also brought him something invaluable: people. By "people," he meant not only the I, the Executioner team, including director Ryu Seung Wan and actor Hwang Jung Min, but also those who watched the movie. Jung Hae In emphasized that connecting with them was the most meaningful achievement of all. 

"When Veteran was released, I wasn't even a rookie yet. It's surreal to think that I've now worked with and exchanged greetings with the people who made and starred in the film I watched while pursuing my dream of becoming an actor. More than anything, it's meaningful to know that there are people who now recognize me and say, 'Oh, Jung Hae In has this side to him too.'"

Following I, the Executioner, Jung Hae In is currently busy with a fan meeting tour. Starting with Bangkok, Thailand, on November 2, he has since met fans in Taipei, Taiwan; Seoul, South Korea; Jakarta, Indonesia; and Manila, Philippines. Next month, he is set to meet fans in Mexico City, Mexico; São Paulo, Brazil; and Santiago, Chile, marking his first time meeting fans in South America. 

"When I stand on stage and meet fans, there's this indescribably positive energy that I feel. It becomes a driving force that pushes me forward. I believe the relationship between an artist and their fans is about giving and getting this kind of positive energy. That's why I also want to give my fans a lot of positive energy. After all, any relationship needs to be mutual to remain healthy."

After wrapping up his fan meetings, Jung Hae In plans to return right to work. "There are a few projects [whose scripts] I'm enjoying reading, but nothing has been decided yet. I'm looking for something at the intersection of what I want to do, what I’m good at, and what the people want," he shared. "I think you'll be able to see me in something by the second half of the year [2025]."

Reflecting on 2024, a year filled with numerous achievements, he said, "I'd give it over 80 points— 'excellent.' This year has been incredibly satisfying. I received so much love from the public, and I even went to the Cannes Film Festival with my mother (for I, the Executioner). I also received a wonderful award at the end of the year. Even so, I'm giving it 80 points because I believe the 90 or 100-point [worthy] moments are yet to come in my life." 

For this year, Jung set his goal as simply "staying safe and sound." For 2025, he aims for "not getting seriously hurt, physically or psychologically." When asked if he has any specific goals related to project success or achievements, he responded, "I've never set such goals or expectations. No one can hit a home run every time." "I've also experienced ups and downs and have had projects that didn't receive much love. But if I did my best, the next important thing is to move on without regret."

"But still," Jung Hae In added, "I'll make sure to row diligently when the tide comes my way." He also expressed his determination to become an actor who "ages well," striving not only to build an impressive filmography but also to grow internally.

"I believe acting reflects the life you've lived. People say you can tell how someone has lived just by looking at the lines [wrinkles] on their face. [What's] good and [what's] evil are subjective and can vary depending on the situation, but living by the right values is very important. I want to keep working hard and stay active, so I can become an exceptional middle-aged actor. As I age, I hope to show new aspects of myself that are suited to each stage of life."

Source