Jung Hae-in shoulders new responsibilities as he joins the cast of 'Veteran 2,' igniting anticipation for his performance.
Playing Park Sun-woo, a rookie detective in the film, he immerses the audience through a captivating portrayal filled with unsettling charm. His character is known for remarkable judgment and martial arts skills, earning him the nickname "UFC cop" among netizens. As he passionately declares to his senior officer, "I became a cop to catch Jo Tae-oh," his dedication to the job is evident.
To authentically depict the fervor of a rookie detective, Jung undertook rigorous training, which included basic workouts, martial arts, and parkour. He faces numerous physical challenges during filming, including tumbling down stairs while chasing a suspect and engaging in a fight on a rainy rooftop. Expressing his determination, he noted, "I built up my stamina because I didn't want to be a burden during filming."
In a surprising twist, Jung Hae-in takes on the role of a villain, showcasing a darker side as Park Sun-woo enacts personal justice driven by distorted beliefs. He meticulously crafted the character's hidden malevolence, paying special attention to his eye expressions, amplifying the conflict between his character's good looks and cruel intentions. He described Park Sun-woo as possessing narcissistic and sociopathic traits, implying a willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals while aiming to elicit discomfort from viewers.
Having received significant acclaim for the first installment's success, Jung admits there was pressure to deliver an equally compelling performance in 'Veteran 2.' However, he clarified that he felt no character-related burden, stating, "There was pressure solely because the first film was well-received." Instead, he focused on portraying the character in his unique way, convincing himself not to compare with the predecessor's villain.
Jung Hae-in has previously captivated audiences in romantic dramas like 'Something in the Rain' and 'Spring Night,' and currently shares delightful chemistry with Jung So-min in 'Mom's Friend's Son.' His role as Captain Yoo Jung-woo in 'Prison Playbook' illustrated a convincing transformation from anguish to warmth, showcasing a more humane side amidst turmoil. He has also garnered praise for his realistic portrayal of military injustices in the Netflix series 'D.P.'
Jung’s versatility in seamlessly transitioning between genres demonstrates his wide acting spectrum, despite only making a brief appearance in 'Spring in Seoul.' The expectation is high for 'Veteran 2' to replicate the blockbuster success of its predecessor, which attracted over 13 million viewers. As Jung remains humble about the upcoming film's box office prospects, he emphasizes the importance of managing expectations while showcasing his impactful presence in 'Veteran 2.'