The movie “I, the Executioner” (also known as “Veteran 2”) released on September 13 in Korea is “making waves” at the box office, taking less than 6 days to reach 4 million views.
Previously, box office blockbusters like “Exhuma” took 9 days to reach 4 million views, “The Roundup” took 7 days and “12.12: The Day” took 12 days.
The stars of “Veteran 2” are Hwang Jung Min and Jung Hae In, who are attracting the attention of many Korean audiences. The acting of Hwang Jung Min and Jung Hae In has also become a topic of discussion on Korean social media platforms. Among them, Jung Hae In received a storm of compliments, with many audiences using the word “crazy” to describe his performance in “Veteran 2”.
“Veteran 2” appeared at the right time to save Jung Hae In when he was in a “dangerous” situation with the potentially sleep-inducing drama “Love Next Door”.
When “Love Next Door” (Vietnamese title: Mother's Boy) aired, the film was expected to set ratings records similar to what “Queen of Tears” had done.
The two film projects have in common a love story with many ups and downs, and Jung Hae In is expected to make a breakthrough to compare with Kim Soo Hyun.
Jung Hae In belongs to the generation of actors born in 1988 like Kim Soo Hyun, has gained a certain reputation and position with the psychological romance genre. The couple Jung Hae In - Jung Soo Min (Jung - Jung) is also considered a beautiful couple, with talent not inferior to Kim Soo Hyun - Kim Ji Won (Kim - Kim).
However, “Love Next Door” is disappointing because it has a script full of old, worn-out, and boring details on Korean screens. Acquainted since childhood, through a long journey of growing up, Choi Seung Hyo (Jung Hae In) and Bae Seok Ryu (Jung Soo Min) gradually realize their feelings for each other.
The film lacks climax, unable to create an “explosive” rating highlight because the story is easy to predict. “Love Next Door” lacks interesting and humorous twists like in “Queen of Tears”. Even the supporting characters that appear like Choi Seung Hyo’s ex-girlfriend and Bae Seok Ryu’s ex-boyfriend are also bland, unable to fulfill their role of making the main couple’s love story more interesting and stormy.
The film's slow, steady pace, interspersed with long, drawn-out dialogues, causes the rating to drop more and more.
In a "cramped" script, lacking highlights and familiar details, Jung Hae In's acting also becomes a weakness. The interactions between Choi Seung Hyo and Bae Seok Ryu are disjointed, lacking the struggle and transition from friendship to love. On film forums, many viewers affirmed that they did not see any signs of love, did not feel the necessary chemistry between Jung Hae In and Jung Soo Min.
The show is currently airing episode 10, reaching number 1 on digital platforms but is still being criticized for its script, many details have made the audience angry about its staleness and wear and tear.
Compared to previous romantic films that caused a stir such as “Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food” or “Snow Drop”, Jung Hae In has taken a step back with “Love Next Door”. The actor also showed that his acting in this type of role is slowing down.
Right when things were "critical", the movie "Veteran 2" was released in theaters and saved Jung Hae In's image and career.
