Actor Jung Hae In has once again proven his prowess as a romance master with his deeply devoted performance in “Our Sticky Love.” Despite facing challenges due to controversies surrounding co-star Ha-young’s family history, the series achieved remarkable success, clinching the top spot globally for non-English television (TV) shows on Netflix just two weeks after its release. Jung’s romantic comedy chops shone brightly on the international stage.
Premiering on August 7, the Netflix series “Our Sticky Love” (penned by Mo Ji-hye and helmed by Kim Jang-han) follows the cohabitation of an amnesiac prosecutor, Go Eun-sae (played by Ha Young), and her self-proclaimed boyfriend, boxing coach Jang Tae-ha (portrayed by Jung Hae In). The show is directed by Kim Jang-han, known for his work on “My Demon” (2024).
According to Netflix’s official site, “Our Sticky Love” racked up 7.5 million views (calculated by dividing total viewing hours by the show’s runtime) from August 10 to 16, securing the top spot globally in the non-English TV show category. It dominated the charts in 26 countries, including South Korea, and cracked the top 10 in a total of 68 nations.
The show’s meteoric rise to the top, despite the controversy surrounding Ha-young’s family history that erupted immediately after its release, garnered significant attention. On the day of the show’s premiere, August 7, Ha-young mentioned her fourth-generation medical family on KBS 2TV’s “Problem Child in House,” referencing her great-grandfather’s background. The subsequent revelation that her great-grandfather, Ahn Sang-ho, was a doctor with pro-Japanese activities during the colonial era ignited a firestorm of controversy.
As a result, promotional interviews for the lead actors were axed, throwing a wrench in the publicity schedule and shifting focus away from the show to the family controversy. For Jung Hae-in, who hasn’t released a new project since “Love Next Door” two years ago, this situation is particularly frustrating. Despite showcasing a broader range of acting skills and carrying the story, the unexpected controversy overshadowed the show’s debut.
Jung Hae In embodies Jang Tae-ha, a boxing coach who presents himself as the boyfriend to the amnesiac prosecutor Go Eun-sae. Though a lifelong bachelor, he becomes endearingly clumsy in matters of love but shows unwavering dedication to protecting Go Eun-sae. During the production press conference, Jung described Jang Tae-ha as the quintessential devoted boyfriend among all the characters he has portrayed.
Jung Hae In effortlessly transitions from the rugged actions of a boxing coach to moments of pure innocence in front of Go Eun-sae, skillfully building emotions through subtle changes in his gaze and expressions. He also flexes his comedic muscles, perfectly capturing the awkwardness of a lifelong single while seamlessly blending romance and comedy.
Throughout his career, Jung Hae In has gained recognition in the romance and melodrama genres with hit series like “Something in the Rain” (2018), “Spring Night” (2019), and “Love Next Door” (2024). In this latest project, he expands his acting range by incorporating comedy, deepening his romantic portrayal, and tackling action scenes. The global success of “Our Sticky Love” has once again confirmed Jung Hae In’s star power in the romance genre.