Popular K-Drama Actor Reveals His Unexpected Connection To Jung Hae In

The Korean entertainment industry is full of interesting familial ties between different celebrities, mainly owing to the clan system’s strong foothold even today. An example of this phenomenon would be BTOB‘s Sungjae and actor Yoon Joong Wan.

Now, yet another pair of actors have been confirmed to be connected to the same bloodline, one of them being Jung Hae In.

The other actor in question is Jung Il Woo, who revealed his family ties to Jung Hae In in his recent appearance on KBS2 TV‘s variety show, Problem Child in House 2.

On the August 7 episode of the show, the actor shared his family background with viewers, mentioning that both his parents were professors. In fact, Jung added that his mother is the director of the Korea Textile Research Institute and serves as the cultural heritage commissioner. He also mentioned that his sister worked as a fashion designer, adding to the MCs’ astonishment at his elite family.

However, the detail that sparked the biggest reaction was Jung’s family tree. The actor revealed that he is the 30th descendant of the revered scholar Jeong Yak Yong (alternatively spelled asChŏng Yagyong). He was a Korean agronomist, philosopher, and poet, often called by his artistic name, Tasan. As one of the greatest thinkers of the later Joseon period, he remains a much-celebrated figure in Korean history.

Jung Il Woo also added that Jung Hae In was the 29th descendant of the same lineage, making them close relatives.

We’re not of the same generation, but we were a year apart in middle and high school. I didn’t know that before our debut, but it turns out we went to the same school. We’re not some distant relatives — we’re basically family.

— Jung Il Woo

Jung Hae In has also previously talked about his lineage, tracing it back to Jeong Yak Yong. You can read more about it here:

Actor Jung Hae In’s Latest Post Sparks Discussions About His Family Heritage