Korean actor Jung Hae In has reportedly turned down an offer to star in a Japanese drama.
Japanese broadcaster TBS had planned to feature Jung in an upcoming summer drama. Reports indicate that he has rejected the offer; however, his agency, FNC Entertainment, has yet to confirm this.
Jung Hae In, has been making waves in Japan, with his recent fan meeting in late October selling out in just one day.
The Korean heartthrob recently starred in the tvN hit “Love Next Door” and movie “Veteran 2.” His recent works received a lot of love and support from Japanese fans.
His neighborhood romance drama “Love Next Door,” which concluded on October 6, was a huge hit. Japanese viewers loved the storyline and his chemistry with Jung So Min.
Last month, rumors swirled in Korean media that Jung Hae In was in talks to star in a Japanese drama. At the time, his agency revealed that the 36-year-old actor is “positively considering” the offer.
According to the source, the project was a joint effort between TBS Japan and a top Korean production company, which has produced hits like “Crash Landing on You.” Preparations were already underway, with a talented team from both countries assembled and filming set to begin in February 2025.
Hae In abruptly declined the offer just a few months before filming was scheduled to begin. Despite TBS’s efforts to persuade him, the negotiations ultimately fell through. Co-star Kentaro Sakaguchi, who had been cast on the condition that Jung Hae In would appear, was reportedly left perplexed by the sudden turn of events.
The drama’s production and storyline had been built around Jung Hae In’s involvement. His withdrawal from the project has left TBS executives to find a replacement Korean star.
An insider from TBS said, ‘We are urgently looking for a Korean actor who can adjust their schedule. While there are some candidates, it’s not easy to find an actor in the same class as Hae In, so finding a substitute is proving to be difficult.’
The drama was supposed to be about an unlikely friendship between a Japanese veterinarian and a Korean lawyer. They start off on the wrong foot, but eventually learn to trust each other and help each other get their lives together.