Jung Hae-in Addresses 'Manager Controversy,' Reveals Truth About His 'Umbrella Bearer'

South Korean actor Jung Hae-in (정해인) was previously embroiled in controversy after an airport photo led to accusations of him 'acting like a diva' and 'ordering his manager around.' The truth has now been revealed: the person holding his umbrella and accompanying him was not a regular staff member, but his younger brother. Jung Hae-in recently joked on a show that his brother was "a sidekick my mom made for me," sparking discussion about their close bond.

The latest episode of the SBS variety show Whenever There's Time (틈만나면,), which aired on May 18 at 9 p.m. KST, featured Jung Hae-in and Heo Sung-tae (허성태) as guests. They joined hosts Yoo Jae-suk (유재석) and Yoo Yeon-seok (유연석) on a quest through Seoul's Dongjak District to find moments of leisure in everyday life.

Previously, a photo of Jung Hae-in at the airport had circulated online. It showed his manager holding a large umbrella, completely shielding the actor. After the photo was released, some netizens criticized his behavior, interpreting it as him 'ordering' staff around, which unexpectedly ignited a controversy about him being a diva and bullying his team.

However, the truth later emerged: the manager holding the umbrella for Jung Hae-in was, in fact, his younger brother. This revelation instantly changed the narrative of the entire incident, leading many netizens to comment on the "truly authentic bond between brothers."

On the show, Jung Hae-in personally revealed the identity of this 'manager,' jokingly describing his brother as "a sidekick my mom made for me." He shared that his brother had accompanied him to work that day and usually joins him on various film sets. The two continue to work side-by-side in a manager-artist capacity.