“The Glory” Star Had To Gain So Much Weight For Her Role She Hasn’t Been Able To Lose It Even Years Later

Actress Cha Joo Young recently opened up about her struggles with weight loss after intentionally gaining several kilograms for her role in The Glory. Despite years passing since the show aired, she admitted she still hasn’t fully returned to her original figure.

On the March 16 episode of TV Chosun’s Heo Young Man’s Food Travel, Cha Joo Young sat down for a meal and candid conversation. While enjoying a traditional Korean dish, she shared her love for carbs, especially rice cakes. The host, Heo Young Man, jokingly pointed out that with such a preference, she must have gained some weight.

Laughing, the actress revealed that she had deliberately put on weight for The Glory, where she played the glamorous character Hyejeong.  She also mentioned that instead of gradually increasing her weight, she had to do it quickly and maintain it throughout filming.

That’s why I put on a lot of weight for The Glory. I gained weight, and since then, I haven’t been able to completely go back to how I was before. Even now…

I gained about 5 to 6kg. It happened in a fairly short period — not gradually, but all at once. And I maintained that weight throughout the filming.

— Cha Joo Young

Her admission caught viewers’ attention, as many were surprised to hear that the effects of her physical transformation still linger years after the show’s success.

Heo Young Man then asked if she was happy with her current self despite the weight gain, adding that the financial gain from The Glory should have helped. Cha Joo Young responded with a laugh, saying she still feels she has more work to do.

I think I need to work a little harder.

— Cha Joo Young

Her honesty about the challenges of altering her body for a role resonated with many, shedding light on the physical demands actors often face in their craft.