Jung Hae-in’s Shocking New Role: From Rom-Com King to Ex-Gangster in Bold Comeback Drama
On May 14, FNC Entertainment confirmed that Jung has been cast in the upcoming romantic comedy This Sucky Love (working title). The series follows the fiery cohabitation romance between Jang Tae-ha (Jung Hae-in), an ex-gangster turned boxing coach, and Ko Eun-sae (Hayoung), a prosecutor suffering from amnesia.
Directed by Kim Jang-han (Do You Like Brahms?, My Demon) and written by Mo Ji-hye (You Raise Me Up), the drama promises a fresh blend of gritty tension, emotional healing, and unexpected laughs.
Jung’s character, Jang Tae-ha, once a rising youth boxing star, drifted into the underworld after his dreams collapsed. He eventually leaves gang life behind to run a modest gym, but one last job leads him to cross paths with his first love, Eun-sae—who no longer remembers him. Claiming to be her boyfriend, Tae-ha embarks on a dangerous and emotional journey fueled by guilt, longing, and unfinished business.
Hayoung’s role as Eun-sae adds a sharp contrast. A fierce anti-corruption prosecutor in Seoul’s Central District, she loses her memory while investigating a violent gang. After waking up in a rural hospital, she meets Tae-ha, who weaves a fabricated love story between them as they begin living under one roof.
This will be Jung’s first major acting project following his variety show appearance on MBC’s Good Day in April, where he surprised fans with his humor and charm. However, with the recent industry-wide turbulence caused by the Kim Soo-hyun scandal, Jung appears to be redirecting his focus back to narrative work, solidifying his footing as a versatile actor.
Best known for his romantic leads in Something in the Rain and One Spring Night, Jung Hae-in’s decision to play a morally grey, emotionally layered character marks a bold shift. With This Sucky Love, the actor is not just redefining his image but staking his claim as one of the most dynamic talents in Korean drama today.
