Popular Korean Actresses Who Lost Weight For K-Drama Roles

One actress dropped down to just 37kg.

Content Warning

This article includes descriptions of dieting, body image issues, or eating disorders that may trigger some readers.

Every K-Drama actor needs to get into character to portray their roles. Some of those roles also require physical transformations, such as new haircuts, makeup styling, and either gaining or losing weight. These actresses shed pounds for their roles–and it was no easy task.

1. Kim Ji Won

Actress Kim Ji Won underwent a a physical transformation for her role in the K-Drama Queen Of Tears.

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Actress Kim Ji Won | @geewonii/Instagram

Kim Ji Won starred alongside Kim Soo Hyun as the rich heiress Hong Hae In, who exuded icy-cold beauty.

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| Netflix

During an appearance on the YouTube show Salon Drip, Kim Ji Won was asked about her diet. Host Jang Do Yeon had heard that the actress had cut back on food for her health.

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| Netflix
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| Netflix

Kim Ji Won explained that the diet was for her health, yes, but also because her character needed to wear many different outfits. She avoided certain foods while filming and hadn’t eaten any Chinese food for a year. Once filming and promotions were over, Kim Ji Won planned to be less strict about her diet.

Netizens were quick to notice the changes to Kim Ji Won’s face that came from losing weight for Queen of Tears.

2. Park Min Young

Park Min Young shocked viewers with her drastic weight loss for Marry My Husband, where she played a cancer patient who gets a second chance at life.

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Park Min Young | Namoo Actors

In the webtoon Marry My Husband, the main character Kang Ji Won endures an unhappy marriage that only gets worse when she is diagnosed with terminal cancer. After her “death” takes her ten years back in time, she decides to take full advantage of her do-over by getting revenge on her husband and his mistress, aka her backstabbing best friend.

A screenshot from the original webtoon | Webtoon

Park Min Young’s teasers for the show highlighted the actress’s weight loss, which was done to show the impact cancer can have on a person’s body.

Park Min Young dropped down to 37kg (approximately 81.5 lbs) for the role.

3. Roh Jeong Eui

Child actress Roh Jeong Eui, who appeared in 18 Again…

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Roh Jeong Eui in “18 Again” | JTBC

…and Our Beloved Summer is now gaining popularity through her lead roles in Hierarchy and Badland Hunters.

| @jeongeuiyam/Instagram

Her transformation was especially noticeable in Hierarchy, as she lost a total of 15.4 lbs (7kg) over time. When asked how she did it, she said it was 80% pilates and 20% dietary changes.

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| Netflix
Source: TEO
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