Dramatic Transformations: Actors Undergo Extreme Physical Changes for Roles

Actors are increasingly appearing at official events with drastically altered appearances due to rigorous diets before the release of their projects. While fans express concern for the actors' health, they also admire the dedication and passion shown. These transformations are often undertaken to enhance viewer immersion and empathy.

Park Min-young recently attended the press conference for the new drama 'Confidence Man KR' at the Stanford Hotel in Sangam-dong, Seoul. Her gaunt appearance sparked concern among netizens. Previously, Park had lost weight down to 37kg for her role in the tvN drama 'Marry My Husband' last January, where she played a terminally ill character. Her even slimmer appearance now has heightened worries.

Park Min-young reassured fans via her social media, stating, "I'm currently on a healthy diet for my character in the project 'Siren' that I'm filming. Although I've lost a bit more weight due to a hectic schedule, I'm healthy. I eat three meals a day, so don't worry."

Among male actors, Yoon Shi-yoon has also raised public concern. Ahead of the first shoot for the SBS drama 'Taxi Driver 3' airing in November, he showcased his extreme diet on the variety show 'My Little Old Boy,' where he refrained from drinking water for 24 hours to achieve a gaunt look.

Standing at 177cm and weighing 67kg with a body fat percentage of 6.7%, Yoon maintained a healthy physique. However, he embarked on a fast without even water the day before filming. Engaging in intense workouts with a sunken face, he stated, "I need to sweat as much as possible. It's tough, but I'll do it for the character." He even attempted extreme sauna dehydration, leading to a 5kg weight loss and a body fat percentage drop to 3% in just one day.

Other actors have also undergone significant transformations. Lee Jung-jae, who gained global fame through Netflix's 'Squid Game,' reportedly lost 10kg during filming to portray his character Seong Gi-hun's desperate situation. He avoided social gatherings and only ate steamed vegetables on set.

At 43, Lee Mi-do appeared as a fitness trainer in the recently concluded KBS2 drama '24-Hour Health Club.' She lost 17kg in just a month and a half and revealed a bodybuilder-like physique, astonishing many.

Some actors have willingly gained weight for their roles. Lee Hee-jun gained 25kg in three months for the film 'The Man Standing Next' and lost it all immediately after filming. He shared his method, "I continued weight training and ate constantly except when sleeping." For weight loss, he consumed only chicken breast and sweet potatoes, scheduling a photo shoot to stay motivated. He stayed in a dormitory near a gym, working out four times a day.

Yang Se-jong gained 7kg and adopted long hair styling for his role as Hee-dong in the Disney+ series 'Fine: Country Bumpkins,' released in July. He mentioned, "Looking in the mirror after makeup, I felt like Hee-dong and could focus," but also expressed dissatisfaction with his appearance in photos from the press conference.

Even former idols are not exempt. Kim Yo-han, who starred as a rugby player in the recently concluded drama 'Try,' reportedly ate four meals at four-hour intervals to reduce body fat and increase muscle mass. Notably, rookie actor Lee Jung-ha, who appeared in Disney+'s 'Moving' in 2023, gained 32kg, reaching 99kg, making a significant impression on the public.