[Dispatch=Lee Myung-ju Reporter] Jung Hae-in is an actor who has stood out in romance films.

And for good reason—his appearance speaks for itself. From the goblin's first love older brother in Goblin, he made quite an impression.

He has played a wide range of devoted male characters: a younger man in love with his older sister's friend (My Roommate Is a Gumiho), a single father pharmacist (One Spring Night), a male spy who falls in love (Snowdrop), and a "mom's friend's son" meeting an "accomplished daughter" (My Mother's Friend's Son). The Netflix series "Such a Damn Love" (written by Mo Ji-hye, directed by Kim Jang-han) is no exception. Jung Hae-in becomes a devoted man who does his best to protect the person he loves.

The production presentation for "Such a Damn Love" was held on the 5th at Hotel Naru Seoul M Gallery in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Jung Hae-in, Ha-young, Heo Sung-tae, and director Kim Jang-han attended.

"Such a Damn Love" is a romantic comedy. It depicts the thrilling cohabitation of a prosecutor with amnesia and a boxing coach who insists he is her boyfriend.

Director Kim said, "A woman suffers from amnesia, and when she opens her eyes, Jung Hae-in insists he is her boyfriend. Charming moments and sincere love unfold," introducing the series.

The title itself is unique. It carries a double meaning. Director Kim explained, "From Eun-sae's perspective, when she first opens her eyes, it will be a 'damn situation.' On the other hand, it is a metaphor for the sweet and sticky fate of the two people."

Jung Hae-in also said, "The material that runs through our drama is 'taffy.' Taffy becomes stickier and clingier as temperature rises. Tae-ha and Eun-sae likewise stick together firmly amidst many hardships and overcome them together," he added.

Jung Hae-in plays Jang Tae-ha, a boxing gym coach. He is a character who was once a promising boxer before becoming a gangster. During his final mission, he meets his first love and tells a life-or-death lie.

Director Kim revealed the casting reason: "Jung Hae-in was our first choice for casting. His genuinely upright and masculine side matched Tae-ha well."

Jung Hae-in described Tae-ha as "the textbook devoted man." He said, "It's impressive how he does his best to protect the person he loves."

Regarding the setting of being a lifelong single, he said, "I tried to exclude the color of my own character. He's clumsy and awkward, but that actually came across as charming."

Since he must protect his first love, action acting was essential. He said, "I acted quite intensely, and after extensive discussions with the action director, we tried to do action that doesn't harm people."

Jung Hae-in returns to home screens with a romantic comedy drama after approximately two years. His last work was "My Mother's Friend's Son" with Jung So-min (2024).

He has notably worked with Korea's representative actresses. He showed exciting chemistry with Kim Go-eun, Son Ye-jin, Han Ji-min, and BLACKPINK's Jisoo.

His co-star this time is Ha-young. Ha-young plays Go Eun-sae, a prosecutor at the Anti-Corruption Investigation Division of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. She pursues violent organizations for career advancement but gets into an accident. She wakes up in a rural hospital with her memory lost.

Jung Hae-in was satisfied with filming with Ha-young. He said, "Her bright and positive energy was great. She contributed to creating a harmonious atmosphere on set. As a partner, she was reliable and I'm grateful."

Ha-young also praised him: "First of all, he's cool. When acting, I lost my thoughts—his immersion was so complete that difficult scenes didn't worry me when he was there. I could trust him completely."

It's not just romance. "Such a Damn Love" also contains noir elements. Heo Sung-tae plays organization boss Baek Sang-gil. His pursuit of Eun-sae's whereabouts adds tension.

Heo Sung-tae interpreted his character: "He's truly vicious—the worst person I've played so far." Regarding meeting the two, he said, "I wanted to meet Jung Hae-in and Ha-young. There was no reason not to do it."

The key point to watch is the "damn love" showcased by Jung Hae-in and Ha-young. It depicts their journey from an inseparable fate to developing into lovers.

Ha-young predicted, "Like the line 'classic, not cliché,' it's been a while since we've had such a deeply resonant love story. It could touch on parts that haven't been satisfied until now. Viewers will feel that emotion too."

The "familiar taste" aspect of K-drama also deserves attention. The rural village contrasted with Seoul, the pleasant synergy of the "taffy village family," and warm relationships add to the viewing experience.

Director Kim said, "We gathered the finest actors—not just the main cast, but the taffy village residents too. Don't underestimate the familiar taste. Expect fast-paced development and the chemistry between Jung Hae-in and Ha-young."

Finally, Jung Hae-in said, "I think romance is exactly what the world needs, and this work embodies that. The drama itself is fun. There won't be a dull moment."

Meanwhile, "Such a Damn Love" airs on the 7th. It's a 12-part series.

<Photo=Seunghoon Lee Reporter>