Popular Korean Actors Who Gained Weight For K-Drama Roles

They transformed drastically.

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 actors showed true dedication to their craft by packing on pounds for their projects.

1. Lee Jung Ha

Lee Jung Ha attracted plenty of attention for his physical transformation in the Disney+ new series, Moving. 

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Lee Jung Ha

During a press conference for the show, he revealed that he gained 30kg (66lbs) to play the role of Kim Bong Seok. “I was really happy to be able to eat,” he said. “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.”

 

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A post shared by 이정하 (@jungha.km)

The actor’s pre-Moving and post-Moving photos on Instagram show just how dramatically different he looks outside of his role.

 

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A post shared by 이정하 (@jungha.km)

2. Jang Dong Yoon

To become a ssireum wrestler in the K-Drama Like Flowers in Sand, Jang Dong Yoon gained a considerable amount of weight.

actresses-perfect-with-jang-dong
Jang Dong Yoon | ENA

During his MMTG interview, Jang Dong Yoon revealed that he gained a total of 14 kg (30.8 lbs), about 5 kg (11 lbs) per week, by changing his diet.

He credited the American-style pizzeria Jackson Pizza for helping him to reach his weight goals for the show.

3. Im Jae Hyuk

This dedicated actor is nearly unrecognizable in the apocalyptic zombie series All of Us Are Dead. 

Im Jae Hyuk in 2019 | @jhyuk.im/Instagram

Im Jae Hyuk plays the role of the loyal high school student Yang Dae Su who fights zombies to protect his fellow students from the attacks.

Actor Im Jae Hyuk | Netflix

According to former entertainment reporter Lee Jin Ho, Im Jae Hyuk previously lost weight in 2019, shedding about 30kg (66lbs) because his label suggested that he “lose a little weight.” As such, Im Jae Hyuk had to gain back that weight for All of Us Are Dead…

Im Jae Hyuk as Dae Su in “All of Us Are Dead” | Netflix

…before dropping it again after filming wrapped. He lost 25kg (55lbs), which put him at 82kg (181lbs).

Im Jae Hyuk following his portrayal as Yang Dae Su | @jhyuk.im/Instagram
Source: MMTG and Insight
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