While it’s not uncommon for actors to undergo physical transformations for K-Dramas, some looks are more well-received than others.
Some actors gain or lose weight for their roles, but other times a weight change is faked for shows using prosthetic makeup or fat suits. IU, for example, wore a fat suit for her role in Dream High.
Shin Min Ah also wore a fat suit in Oh My Venus.
Now, K-Dramas have spotted another fat suit in Motel California, a new series that began airing on January 10. This MBC coming-of-age romance, starring Lee Se Young, Na In Woo, Choi Min Soo, Kim Tae Hyeong, and Choi Hee Jin, tells the story of a woman who reunites with her first love in her hometown.
In Episode 1, Na In Woo, who plays the kind-hearted Cheon Yeon Soo, wears a fatsuit, along with thick-rimmed glasses.
At first glance, Na In Woo is unrecognizable, and his changed appearance takes leading lady Lee Se Young by surprise.
Some viewers weren’t fans of the fat suit and found it distracting.
2 first eps of motel California were actually good but the thing that makes me laugh is always seeing the fake fat suit every flashback pic.twitter.com/a2eD9Id6pi
— . (@Ialisarover) January 12, 2025
is motel california worth it…i watched like 3 mins and the fat suit pissed me off
— ❄ (@sateIIiteIove) January 13, 2025
Although the fat suit appears in flashbacks, not in every scene, anatomical irregularities–such as how the cheeks and shoulders looked–dampened the viewing experience for some people.
Motel California has, however, also received praise for its cinematography, characters, and plot so far.
the cinematography of #MotelCalifornia is chefs kiss, each shot feels like a work of art 🎞️ pic.twitter.com/4u0PB6mOeZ
— kdrama diary (@kdramasdiary) January 10, 2025
Check out more K-Drama transformations here:
9 Of The Most Dramatic Makeovers Done For K-Drama Characters
