Jung Hae-In’s Surprising Dating Confession + 7 Facts About the K-Drama Heartthrob

The latest K-drama star that’s got everyone talking — Jung Hae-in.

With his newest role as a ‘bad boy’ with a heart of gold in the K-drama rom-com Our Sticky Love, he’s stolen hearts with his portrayal of a former youth boxing champion-turned gang member, Jang Tae-ha. It also stars actress Ahn Ha-young as prosecutor Go Eun-sae, who loses her memory following a dangerous incident.

Enters Tae-ha, who rescues her — but also claims that he’s her boyfriend while whisking her away to a remote village. Here’s the twist: Eun-sae is actually Tae-ha’s first crush, and as the two spend more time together, their fake relationship soon turns into something real.

If Our Sticky Love has you falling for Jung Hae-in all over again, we get it. From his claim to fame to his surprising family history, here are some fun facts to know about the K-drama heartthrob.

Jung Hae-in’s age and birthday

It’s hard to imagine the baby-faced actor nearly hitting 40, but Jung Hae-in is 38 years old this year. His birthday falls on a rather special date too - on April’s Fool’s Day - April 1, 1988.

Jung Hae-in’s family and famous ancestor

He’s not the only famous name in the family — Jung Hae-in has a well-known ancestor. He’s the direct descendant of Jeong Yak-yong (also known as Dasan), a renowned late-Joseon Dynasty philosopher, structural engineer, and Silhak (Practical Learning) scholar.

He’s also often spoken of for how close-knit his family is. His parents are both in the medical field — his father is reportedly an ophthalmologist, and his mum is a pathologist. And because they’re both often busy with their careers, he spent a considerable amount of his growing-up years with his grandparents.

He also has a younger brother who is seven years younger and works as his manager. Fun fact: Spot him making a cameo in one episode of Our Sticky Love.

Jung Hae-in’s shows to watch

Jung Hae-in’s first official TV role was in Bride of the Century (2014), playing the supporting role of Choi Kang-in, an idol group member. He landed his first lead role in Something In The Rain (2018), starring alongside Son Ye-jin. But it was in military drama D.P that he got widespread popularity and recognition.

• Our Sticky Love (2026)
• Love Next Door (2024)
• Snowdrop (2021 - 2022)
• Connect (2022)
• D.P. (2021 - 2023)
• Something in the Rain (2018)
• Prison Playbook (2017 - 2018)
• Reply 1988 (2015 - 2016)
• Bride of the Century (2014)

He had trouble working with Son Ye-jin for Something In The Rain

But not for reasons you might think. He once admitted that he found it tough to look into Son Ye-jin’s eyes because he was starstruck and found her beautiful. Pair that with the pressure of being in his first lead role, he wound up looking away or smiling due to nerves, but her warm and supportive nature helped him get over his nerves. Hilarious, but understandable.

Does Jung Hae-in have a wife or girlfriend?

Jung Hae-in doesn’t currently have a girlfriend, but he has previously spoken of his dating experience — or lack thereof.

In a promo appearance for Our Sticky Love, he shared that he attended all-boys middle and high schools, which didn’t open up too many dating opportunities. And while he’s dated before, he admits he has limited real-life experience to draw on when it comes to romantic scenes. Considering how he’s cemented his status as K-drama’s ‘prince of romance’, he sure had us fooled.

He has also been linked with female co-stars, including Blackpink’s Jisoo (Snowdrop) as well as Jung So-min (Love Next Door), thanks to his sizzling on-screen chemistry with them.

He’s been given the nickname Milk Man

In South Korea, the term ‘milk man’ refers to someone with superior genes. And Jung Hae-in has apparently earned that moniker due to his glowing complexion and youthful appearance, as well as his healthy physique. In fact, his makeup artist has reportedly revealed that he doesn’t need much makeup for shoots due to his almost flawless skin.

He rocks a fit physique now but he wasn’t always this buff

Be it in D.P. or in Our Sticky Love, we’ve gotten glimpses of Jung Hae-in’s sculpted bod on screen — a marked contrast to his boyish face. However, in past interviews, he’s admitted to being a foodie and gaining a significant amount of weight in his 20s. It wasn’t until he enlisted in the military and went on a strict regimen and diet that he shed the pounds.

He faced controversy

In mid-2026, Jung Hae-In came under fire after liking a social media post by fellow actor Kim Soo-Hyun. The issue emerged as Kim Soo-Hyun faced intense public backlash and a major career setback amid controversy surrounding the late Kim Sae-ron.

Some netizens urged Jung Hae-In to distance himself from the actor, while others pushed back against the criticism, arguing that he should be free to maintain his personal friendships without public interference.