Ryu Deok-hwan gains 40 kg for a movie character

Actor Ryu Deok-hwan attracted attention when he revealed that he gained 40 kg for the movie 'Madonna of the World'. Born in 1987, he was 20 years old at the time.

Ryu Deok-hwan appeared as a guest on tvN STORY's 'Chairman's People' (hereinafter referred to as 'Chairman's People'), which aired on the 27th. He reunited with Kim Soo-mi and Kim Hye-jung after 22 years. They appeared together in the MBC drama ‘Country Diary’, which ended in 2022. He was even more moved by giving Kim Soo-mi and Kim Hye-jeong gifts he personally picked out at the market.

He presented a bright flower basket to Kim Soo-mi. Ryu Deok-hwan said, “I tried to choose morning glories, but I didn’t have any, so I made this up,” and made Kim Soo-mi happy by handing her a basket full of pink flowers.

He then presented rice cakes, persimmons, and flower shoes. The size of the shoes was perfect for Kim Soo-mi. Ryu Deok-hwan said, "There was a scene in the 'Country Diary' episode where I begged my mother (played by Kim Hye-jeong) to buy me sneakers. My mother was too busy to buy them for me, so my grandmother (played by Kim Soo-mi) bought them for me instead. I remember that time," he said. Added meaning.

Kim Hye-jeong was greatly moved by the gift from her son, whom she thought was young. He felt proud of Ryu Deok-hwan, who had grown up well, and shed tears. Ryu Deok-hwan expressed his gratitude to Kim Hye-jung, saying, “My son has grown up so well.”

Ryu Deok-hwan recalled his memories, saying, "When I lived with my paternal grandmother, she was suffering from dementia. She threw a piece of persimmon and got dizzy. I knew she didn't do it on purpose, so I picked it up and ate it. From then on, persimmon is a food that comes to mind when I think of my family." .

Before meeting Kim Soo-mi, Ryu Deok-hwan visited her birthplace. It was interesting to see new images of Kim Soo-mi that I had never seen before, such as her past photos. Ryu Deok-hwan, who also took the photo, chatted while looking at the photo together.

While preparing dinner with Ryu Deok-hwan, Kim Yong-geon brought up the story of the movie 'Madonna of the World', which was released in 2006. Ryu Deok-hwan's role was that of a high school student wrestling team player. I gained 40kg of weight for the character.

Ryu Deok-hwan's first starring role was greatly loved, and he was even awarded the Best New Artist Award. Ryu Deok-hwan confessed, “My knees have gotten a lot worse because I increased the weight.” He said, “I ate Jangcheon day and night.”

Ten Asia Reporter Lee So-jeong forusojung@tenasia.co.kr