Jung Hae In Opens Up About His Struggles with Insomnia and Panic Disorder After ‘Something in the Rain’ Success
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| Jung Hae In Opens Up About His Struggles with Insomnia and Panic Disorder After ‘Something in the Rain’ Success |
Actor Jung Hae In is a name that has become synonymous with success in the Korean entertainment industry. His breakout role in the 2018 drama Something in the Rain brought him immense popularity, but behind the bright lights and accolades, Jung Hae In was facing one of the most challenging periods of his life. In a recent interview on tvN’s You Quiz on the Block, the actor opened up about the severe insomnia and panic disorder he developed after the success of the drama, offering fans a glimpse into the less glamorous side of fame.
A Meteoric Rise to Stardom
Jung Hae In’s journey to becoming a household name didn’t happen overnight. After completing his military service, he entered the acting world with uncertainty, facing numerous rejections during auditions. “I failed at every audition I took. I got nervous and couldn’t show my full potential,” he shared during the interview. His early roles as the first love of Deok Seon in Reply 1988 and Eun Tak's first love in Goblin left an impression on viewers, but it wasn’t until Something in the Rain that his career truly skyrocketed.
In Something in the Rain, Jung Hae In played the charming and considerate Seo Joon Hee, winning the hearts of viewers both in South Korea and internationally. The drama's success catapulted him to stardom, and his on-screen chemistry with Son Ye Jin became a hot topic among fans. But with the sudden fame came immense pressure and personal struggles that Jung had never faced before.
The Dark Side of Success
While fans saw Jung Hae In as the perfect son or boyfriend on-screen, the actor was silently battling severe insomnia. “The biggest challenge was my physical condition. I wasn’t fully prepared, and I got overloaded, so I couldn’t sleep,” he revealed. This inability to rest properly took a toll on both his body and mind. As his popularity continued to soar, the pressure of maintaining his image and meeting expectations became overwhelming. “It wasn’t just happiness,” Jung admitted, referring to the period after Something in the Rain.
Despite the love and attention he received, Jung Hae In found himself questioning his own existence. At 31, when many believed he had reached the peak of his career, Jung was dealing with the pressures of fame in a very personal way. “At 31, you’re still young, right? I thought the negative comments were everything in the world. As someone who has to stand in front of the camera and be judged, there were times when I was scared and anxious,” he confessed. The overwhelming attention and the harsh scrutiny from the public made him feel vulnerable.
Panic Disorder and Isolation
Jung Hae In's insomnia was not his only struggle during this difficult period. He also experienced symptoms of panic disorder, which further isolated him from the world around him. “There was a long period when I didn’t go outside and lived like a recluse. Meeting people scared me,” he recalled. His once promising world had turned into a suffocating bubble of anxiety.
The negative comments he read online affected him deeply, and he found himself spiraling as he tried to make sense of why some people disliked him. “I kept thinking, ‘Why are they doing this to me?’ I wanted to understand why people disliked me,” he explained. However, Jung soon came to a realization that would help him begin to heal: “It all started because I tried to be loved by everyone. After realizing that I couldn’t be loved by everyone, I decided to focus on giving my best to the people who love and support me.”
A Turning Point: Rediscovering His Passion
As time passed, Jung Hae In began to rebuild his life and career. A key turning point came when he starred in the hit series D.P., which earned him critical acclaim and allowed him to connect with a new audience. “I gained a lot of male fans, and film directors took notice, which is why I was able to land roles in Seoul Spring and Veteran 2,” Jung shared. These roles marked a significant shift in his career, as he began to take on more complex and challenging characters.
His role in Veteran 2 was particularly noteworthy, as it was his first time playing a villain. Jung portrayed a police officer with a kind face but a dark side, a narcissistic sociopath who kills people. This transformation from the perfect son to a more nuanced, darker character showcased Jung’s versatility as an actor. “It was an enormous burden. I had to accept and overcome it,” he admitted. The intense filming process, which lasted for almost six months, took a toll on him mentally, but it also pushed him to new heights in his acting career.
Personal Reflections: Family, Art, and Growth
During the interview, Jung Hae In also reflected on his family and how they have influenced his life. He is a direct descendant of Dasan Jeong Yak Yong, a renowned scholar from the Joseon Dynasty, but it wasn’t something that deeply affected him growing up. “I lived with my paternal grandparents, so I heard a lot about it, but it didn’t really sink in at the time,” he said with a laugh.
Jung credits much of his creativity and artistic sense to his mother, who has a passion for singing in choirs. “My mother is very interested in artistic things and loves being in the spotlight. She practices all the time at home, to the point where it drives me crazy,” he joked, bringing a lighter moment to the conversation.
As he looked back on his career, Jung expressed a sense of gratitude for the difficult times he endured. “It makes me emotional when I talk about the difficult times,” he said, reflecting on his 20s when he struggled to prove himself as an actor. The harsh comments and doubts from others fueled his determination to work harder and improve. “I thought, ‘I need to work harder and show them a better version of myself,’” he added.
Moving Forward: Finding Balance and Peace
Jung Hae In’s story is not just one of fame and success; it’s also a testament to the emotional and mental challenges that come with it. Through his struggles with insomnia and panic disorder, Jung has learned valuable lessons about self-care, resilience, and the importance of focusing on those who truly support him.
Now, as a more seasoned actor, he is better equipped to handle the pressures of the industry. He continues to push himself in new roles, all while maintaining a more balanced approach to life. “I’m working hard at stage greetings. I’ve done more than 200, and by the time I finish, it’ll be close to 300. I’m doing it very happily,” Jung said, showing that despite the challenges, he remains dedicated to his craft.
Jung Hae In’s candidness about his mental health struggles serves as an important reminder that even the most successful individuals face hardships behind the scenes. His journey from the highs of stardom to the depths of insomnia and anxiety, and finally to a place of healing and self-acceptance, is an inspiring story of resilience.
In conclusion, Jung Hae In has shown that while fame may come with its own set of challenges, it is possible to find balance and peace by focusing on what truly matters. As he continues to evolve as an actor and a person, his story will undoubtedly resonate with many who face similar struggles in their own lives.
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