Ha Jung-woo Returns to TV After 19 Years with New Drama Amidst Public Romance

Ha Jung-woo is making headlines as he returns to the small screen after 19 years, following the announcement of his public relationship. Known for focusing on his film career, Ha Jung-woo will star in the upcoming tvN weekend drama 'How to Become a Landlord in Korea' (hereafter 'Landlord').

Ha Jung-woo will appear in 'Landlord,' which premieres on November 14. The suspense drama follows a debt-ridden landlord who becomes involved in a fake kidnapping scheme to protect his family and property. Ha Jung-woo takes on the role of Ki Soo-jong, a man who buys a building with loans but finds himself buried in debt.

This marks Ha Jung-woo's return to television since his role in the 2007 MBC drama 'Hit,' where he played a free-spirited prosecutor alongside actress Go Hyun-jung. Their intense romance captivated viewers, and 'Hit' achieved a peak rating of 18.5% in its final episode.

In 'Landlord,' Ha Jung-woo will act alongside actress Im Soo-jung. During a script reading session, Ha Jung-woo expressed his excitement, saying, "It's been so long since I've participated in a drama. I want to create something truly enjoyable." An industry insider noted, "The return of a talented actor like Ha Jung-woo to drama after 19 years is drawing significant attention both inside and outside the industry."

Meanwhile, Ha Jung-woo confirmed his relationship with actress Cha Jung-won on October 4. Although there were rumors of a July wedding, his agency stated, "Nothing has been decided yet," taking a cautious stance. Ha Jung-woo's father, actor Kim Yong-gun, added, "We will announce any wedding news when it happens," drawing further interest.

With both a public romance and a long-awaited return to television, Ha Jung-woo is capturing attention. Fans are eager to see if he can successfully balance love and career in this exciting new chapter.

By Se-yoon Jung, TenAsia Reporter yoon@tenasia.co.kr