“Newtopia” Lead Actor’s Extreme Method For His Dramatic Transformation Revealed

Actor Park Jung Min, who co-starred in Coupang Play‘s original K-Drama Newtopia alongside BLACKPINK‘s Jisoo, shared that he has been working on losing weight for his next project—and the sheer intensity of his method has fans shocked.

On actress Yoo In Na‘s radio show, “You In Radio,” Park Jung Min was asked how he gets himself out of feeling down, if ever. First, he mentioned games but added that sometimes, games make him feel worse.

Then he revealed that he started running. While it was for weight loss—to better fit his next upcoming role in an action K-Movie, Humint—and it was difficult at first, Park Jung Min said he has now gotten used to it, and he feels good.

Park Jung Min: I’ve been working on losing weight these days for a shoot.

Yoo In Na: You did lose weight.

Park Jung Min: I started running.

Yoo In Na: Really?

Park Jung Min: Yeah, it’s been about three months. I run about 6 miles (10 kilometers) a day. My head clears when I run. At first, it was challenging. But now I can run 6 miles without too much trouble and it helps boost my mood.

Yoo In Na: What time do you go run?

Park Jung Min: Normally at night, around 8 PM.

Between running 6 miles a day and skipping dinner after, Park Jung Min is said to have lost over 37 pounds (17 kilograms).

Yoo In Na: Then don’t you get hungry when you get home? Do you not eat after running?

Park Jung Min: No, I don’t eat.

Yoo In Na: Is it hard skipping dinner or do you not get hungry?!

Park Jung Min: I usually skip dinner, so… But if I’m hungry, I’ll eat before I run.

Yoo In Na: And how many kilograms did you lose this way? Your weight loss is very noticeable.

Park Jung Min: I lost quite a bit. Over 10 kilograms.

Following the radio show, K-Drama fans realized what a difference 37 pounds made on his overall vibe. A post featuring before-and-after photos of Park Jung Min went viral on theqoo, with hundreds of comments stunned by his dedication.

Some worried about his joints, but most were inspired to go outside and do some cardio, too!

• “Are his knees OK though? Whenever I run back to back for week or two, my knees hurt…”
• “Wow.”
• “Before losing weight, he looked so round and content.”
• “Incredible.”
• “When I run 10 kilometers, I feel beyond hungry. I’m so famished that I could eat anything, LOL. It’s impressive that he didn’t eat after running.”
• “I knew running alone wouldn’t make such a huge difference. Of course, he skipped dinner.”
• “Running is truly the best for weight loss.”

Park Jung Min and BLACKPINK Jisoo’s K-Drama is set to premiere on February 7, 2025 (KST).

Read more about how Park Jung Min felt working alongside the K-Pop princess:

BLACKPINK Jisoo’s K-Drama Lead Reveals His Huge “Regret” About Filming With Her