Korean actors and actresses are renowned for their dedication to their roles, often undergoing complete transformations to bring their characters to life. This can involve drastic changes in their hair, appearance, and even their speech patterns, all to ensure they embody their roles as authentically as possible.
Just as it’s common for celebrities to lose weight for a role, gaining weight is another way they demonstrate their commitment to their character. While gaining weight may seem easy, it requires careful management to ensure it’s done in a healthy and controlled manner. Here are six Korean actors and actresses who had to pack on a few pounds for their roles.
1. Han So-hee
Known for her role as Ji Woo in “My Name,” So-hee (한소희) revealed that she had to gain 10 kilogrammes to fully transform as the character. Playing an undercover police officer required her to perform all of the action scenes herself, demanding both physical and mental preparation. “After doing a lot of action scenes, I also increased the amount I was eating,” the actress shared during an interview, highlighting the dedication she brought to the role.
2. Yoo Seung-ho
Showing his full effort in synchronising with his character, Seung-ho (유승호) himself suggested that he should gain weight as he is portrayed as a detective in “Memorist.” This has earned praise from the producers and directors of the thriller series.
However, viewers were not entirely vibing with his new appearance, particularly his plumper cheeks. Some even criticised him, suggesting that he had neglected himself for the sake of a role. In response to the backlash, Seung-ho addressed the criticism in an interview, saying, “I gained weight so that I could look stronger and more reliable for my role as a police officer.”
3. Lee Sung-kyung
Acting as a weightlifter demands an accurate appearance, which a weightlifter should possess. Kim Bok-joo from “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo” is one of the most popular characters that Sung-kyung (이성경) has ever played, which needed her to gain an extra 13 kilogrammes. It was also reported that she had to go through intense weightlifting training amid busy schedules.
Thanks to Sung-kyung’s dedication and hard work, her portrayal of Kim Bok-joo became a fan favourite, earning her character a place among the most iconic female roles in K-drama history. This achievement is all the more impressive considering she began her career as a model, making her transformation into the beloved weightlifter even more remarkable.
4. Heo Sung-tae
Sung-tae (허성태), who played the villainous character Jang Deok Su in the famous Netflix original series “Squid Game,” revealed that he went through a drastic transformation that concerned fans. In order to embody the bulky and gangster image of the character, he gained a total weight of 17 kilogrammes in a span of just one month for the role.
The actor shared that the weight gain was achieved through overeating, which took a toll on his health. Despite these challenges, his dedication to the role contributed to the widespread recognition of his performance in the popular show.
5. Kim Go-eun
Kim Go-eun (김고은) expressed her joy while filming the comedy movie “Sunset In My Hometown,” as it allowed her to eat freely without worrying about maintaining a certain image for her character. She revealed that she gained 8 kilogrammes, which helped her more accurately portray the down-to-earth, chubby woman in the film. During a press conference, the actress brought laughter when she shared, “I spent 3 months in happiness and then had to endure a tearful diet for 2 months afterwards.”
6. Lee Jung-ha
Lee Jung-ha (이정하) revealed that he gained a significant 30 kilogrammes for his role as Kim Bong Seok in the Disney+ drama “Moving.” The actor underwent this transformation to accurately portray his character, who is depicted as a high school student with special abilities. He stated, “I was really happy to be able to eat. As I gradually gained weight, I wanted to become Bong Seok as soon as possible, and the more I gained, the more I could see him.”
Which of these weight gain transformations left you in awe?
Sources: Koreaboo (1)(2)(3), AllKpop (1)(2), Soompi
Alia contributed to this article.
