Actor Lee Jung Ha Is Upset About Not Being Recognized In Public After His Role In The Disney+ K-Drama “Moving”

Disney+‘s new series Moving is receiving attention with its interesting plot and star-studded cast. One of the rookie actors is gaining attention for his role in the K-Drama, but he claimed he doesn’t get recognized because of his drastic transformation since the filming.

Rookie actor Lee Jung Ha made headlines earlier in August when he stated he lost 30 kilograms (around 66 lbs) for his role as a high school senior named Kim Bong Seok in Moving.

He shared that he went through a significant weight gain to transform into Bong Seok. Bong Seok is the son of Kim Doo Shik (played by Jo In Sung), who can fly in the sky, and Lee Mi Hyun (played by Han Hyo Joo), who has supernatural senses.

Being the son of his parents with supernatural powers, Bong Seok also has the ability to float into the air but is forced by his mother to gain weight to conceal his supernatural ability.

In a previous interview, Lee Jung Ha shared that he was happy to eat and that he could see Bong Seok come to life with his weight gain.

 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.

— Lee Jung Ha

In order to gain weight for his role, Lee Jung Ha shared he tried not to reach a point of hunger.

Before starting the filming, I gained around 30 kilograms (kg). I ate various types of instant noodles, including fried and soup-based ones. Although I didn’t have a specific number of meals planned per day, I made an effort not to feel hungry.

— Lee Jung Ha

As difficult as it was to gain weight, it was difficult to lose it as well. Lee Jung Ha stated in an interview on August 21 that it took nearly a year after finishing filming to regain his previous weight.

“Moving” Actor Lee Jung Ha Gained 30 Kg For His Role— Here’s How He Looks Like Normally

Although gaining and losing weight can be physically demanding, Lee Jung Ha expressed more frustration over the fact that people couldn’t recognize him as Bong Seok due to his drastic change in appearance. Even his sister’s friend did not believe he played Bong Seok in Moving.

My sister’s friend said she enjoyed Moving, so I told her that I’m Bong Seok in Moving, but she couldn’t believe it… I wanted to be recognized as the character from the show, but it was disheartening that even when I said I’m Bong Seok, they wouldn’t believe me.

— Lee Jung Ha

On the other hand, after the K-Drama aired, people around him suggested that he should gain weight, which made him feel happy.

I feel happy because it seems like they appreciated the way I portrayed Bong Seok.

— Lee Jung Ha

Lee Jung Ha, who made his debut in Heart Attack Warning in 2017, has also appeared in the K-Dramas Run On and Nevertheless. When asked about the roles or genres he would like to try in the future, he confidently said, “Classic romance.” He added that he liked the movie About Time and if given the chance, would attempt K-Dramas like the Reply series.

Moving premiered on August 9, and the final episode is scheduled for release on September 20.