Some Kdrama stars had to undergo drastic transformation to fit for their roles, including Lee Min Ki, who shed several pounds to portray a ruthless killer in the 2014 movie "Monster."
At the time of the film's media presentation, the actor spoke about the preparation he did as he took on the character of Tae Soo.
The psychological thriller movie depicts the story of Park Bok Soon, played by Kim Go Eun, who lost her sister after being murdered by a diabolical serial killer named Tae Soo.
The incident prompted her to take her sweet revenge but struggled to take up the gauntlet against a cold-blooded murderer.
Lee Min Ki Workout Routine for the Movie 'Monsters'
Losing a few pounds is no joke as it needs serious dedication; what more for Lee Min Ki, who shed 17kg for a role.
In 2014, the actor revealed that he had to lose a lot of weight to fit his "keen and edgy" character.
"So I thought it would be best to just be in the same state as the character than acting out the lines," he said, adding, "I gained some weight and then lost 16-17kg. My total body fat went down to 4% at one point."
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With his "very edgy" look, the 36-year-old star thought that the transformation would help him "portray a killer naturally."
For his preparation, the "Oh My Ladylord" star had to undergo intense training in order to make his back look thinner.
On the contrary, Lee Min Ki's workout routine is not to build muscles but to lose weight, and due to this, his abs "disappeared."
"My body has changed from the physical training," he added.
READ MORE: 'Oh My Ladlylord' Star Lee Min Ki Confirmed to Make Special Appearance in Upcoming Action Movie 'Decibel'
Lee Min Ki To Star in New Kdrama with Kim Ji Won
The 36-year-old actor returns to Kdrama land with a new series, "My Liberation Diary," opposite Kim Ji Won.
The official cast was announced in July 2021, including Son Seok Gu and Lee El.
Over Lee Min Ki's Instagram, the actor updated fans with a glimpse of his life on set, showing the food truck sent over by friends.
In the romance Kdrama, the actor took on the role of Yum Chang Hee, who will be Kim Ji Won's older brother who transferred to Seoul for the thrill.
Unlike her brother, Yum Min Jung, played by the "Lovestruck in the City" star, is afraid to try out new things and that includes leaving their town and liberating herself from her predictable life.
"My Liberation Diary" release date is yet to be announced but it is slated to broadcast sometime in 2022.
