In a candid appearance on the variety show You Quiz On The Block, actor Jung Hae In shared personal insights about how his rise to fame came with unexpected challenges. The actor, who captured the hearts of many through his role in the 2018 JTBC K-drama Something In The Rain, revealed the emotional toll the sudden spotlight had on him.
The Role That Changed Everything
Jung Hae In debuted in 2013, appearing in K-pop group AOA’s music video, but his career took off when he starred opposite Son Ye Jin in Something In The Rain in 2018. His portrayal of the young, charming boyfriend dubbed him the “perfect boyfriend material,” or “yeonhanam” (연하남, younger boyfriend), earning him widespread popularity.
This role led to a surge of media attention and numerous awards, along with endorsement deals. However, it also brought overwhelming pressure that Jung wasn’t fully prepared for. During his interview on You Quiz On The Block, hosted by comedian Yoo Jae Suk, Jung reflected on this period as a time of mental and physical struggle.
Struggling with the Spotlight
Despite his sudden rise to fame being a dream come true for most, Jung confessed that he wasn’t as happy as people might have expected. He was unprepared for the sudden attention, and the pressure took a toll on his health.
I think it had a lot to do with how physically exhausted I was. I was not prepared, but I was pushing myself really hard. So, eventually, it took a toll on me. I couldn’t sleep well. I struggled with terrible insomnia, and… Yeah, back then, I wasn’t all that happy, to be honest.
I had no experience receiving so much love and attention at once. In a sense, I needed time to adjust and learn how to stay strong amid all of what was happening.
The actor shared how he dealt with severe insomnia and anxiety during this period. He explained that he needed time to adjust to the spotlight, which was overwhelming for someone still navigating his early 30s.
Coping with Unwanted Attention
One of the hardest parts for Jung Hae In was handling the sudden influx of both adoration and criticism. As someone still figuring out adulthood at the age of 31, he was especially vulnerable to the negativity that came with fame. The malicious comments he received had a deep impact on him.
I was 31 and, let’s be real, I was still young and just starting to figure things out as an adult. And I let malicious comments affect me a lot. I thought that’s what the world thought about me. So, I started fearing the camera and the public opinion when, given my job, that’s what I had to do. I had moments when I wondered about my existence at all… Like, ‘What am I doing? Why am I here?’ And for a long time, I stayed home. I lived in hiding. I had something like a panic disorder… I was scared of meeting people.
The actor shared that the pressure pushed him into isolation, where he avoided public appearances and struggled with panic attacks. He lived in hiding, fearful of being judged by the public and unsure of how to move forward.
Finding Strength in the Present
Today, Jung Hae In has come a long way from the struggles he faced in the past. He has developed a healthier outlook on both the support and criticism that comes with being a public figure. In the interview, he mentioned how he now focuses more on the positive and supportive fans.
Back then, I read all the malicious comments about me. I would wonder, ‘Why are these people doing this to me?’ But now, I know. I know for sure that there are people who love and support me. I also know there are people who don’t care about me, and even people who hate me. I realized that over time. Back then, I wanted to know why the haters hated me… But I don’t think they have any real reasons. Or maybe they do, but there’s nothing I can do about it. So, I’ve moved on from wanting to be loved by everyone all the time. I recognized that it’s impossible to do so. Now, I focus on being the best version of my self for the people who love and support me.
— Jung Hae In
Jung concluded by sharing his new mindset: He no longer seeks to please everyone but instead concentrates on being the best version of himself for those who appreciate his work. This personal growth has allowed him to regain his confidence and continue to thrive in the entertainment industry.
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