Character transformations in K-dramas or K-movies are often remarkable, proving how versatile the actor or actress undergoing such changes is. As celebrities immerse themselves in a new character in any project, they also undergo tremendous training to achieve the desired character.

The actor's character needs to be more realistic in such a way that they exert more hard work and practice. And after some time spent to training and being absorbed by the role they're supposed to play, the outcome is always convincing, and the actor in return gains recognition and is highly praised for his or her once in a lifetime character performance.

Here are the actors and actresses who transformed into successful athletes in dramas and films.

Ha Ji Won And Bae Doona from "Korea" (2012)

Both actresses played as ping pong athletes in the film "Korea", which tackled the 1991 World Ping Pong Championship and the first North-South Korean team. Ha Ji Won portrays Hyun Jung Hwa, the 1991 World Ping Pong Championship gold medalist, while Bae Doona portrays her North Korean teammate Lee Boon Hee.

Ha Ji Won shared that she had a hard hard time playing sports and acting while expressing her emotions at the same time. Bae Doona had to exert extra efforts since Lee Boon Hee is left-handed, she needs to use and play well using her left hand for the first time.

Park Seo Joon in "Fight My Way" (2017)

Park Seo Joon is known for his inspiring dramas and film. He portrays as Go Dong Man, a taekwondo athlete with a painful past and inspiring story.

ALSO READ: Park Seo Joon to Make a Special Appearance in "Record of Youth"

The actor needs to practice several hours in a gym to learn the kicks and ways of taekwondo.

Back in 2019, the actor also played as an MMA fighter in the film "The Divine Fury". He admitted that he spent more than 8 hours each day prior to filming to immerse himself in MMA.

Lee Sung Kyung from "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo" (2017)

The romantic drama was inspired by the 2008 Olympic gold-medalist Jang Mi Ran. In the series, Lee Sung Kyung played as a weightlifter.

Lee Sung Kyung did extensive training every day for two months with a professional weightlifter and gained extra pounds to get the desired body as an athlete. The drama became a classic hit with actors Nam Joo Hyuk as a talented swimmer and Kyung Soo Jin as rhythmic gymnast.

Lee Joo Young "Baseball Girl" (2019)

The movie is a story of an inspiring professional baseball player and the hurdles in getting into the league while being a woman. The film paved the way for Lee Joo Young to win the Rising Star Award from NYAFF.

The actress shared that she needed to join a league of professional baseball players and trained in months to know how to pitch balls and be in character as a baseball athlete.

Shin Min Ah from "Diva" (2020)

"Diva" is a story of diving athletes, striving to claim the number one spot while keeping their friendship. Shin Min Ah portrays the role of Yi Young, a popular diver who works hard to remain in her spot and encounters mishap with her best friend.

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According to the actress, she practiced for 3 months and endured wearing a bathing suit with a bare face the whole time. It was hard but worth all the hard work to perform in the film.

"Diva" will premiere on September 23.

Do you know other actors or actresses who played as athletes in films or dramas? Share your comments!