Ma Dong Seok is definitely on the list of most successful Korean stars after he made a debut in Hollywood in 2019 for MCU's "Eternals."
The 51-year-old actor joins Angelina Jolie, Gemma Chan of "Crazy Rich Asians" Kit Harrington, and more as he plays Gilgamesh, marking his big break in international scenes.
Apart from his superb acting, he is also known for his massive physique. Towering at 5'8, the South Korean star, also known by his American name as Don Lee, boasts admirable visuals, perfect for action-packed movies and series.
Surprisingly, he doesn't always have that muscular built; in fact, he has to bulk up for health reasons.
Ma Dong Seok Workout
According to a report, the 51-year-old actor revealed that he lost a lot of muscle mass, making his "joints hurt so much."
Due to this, he had to gain more muscles to alleviate pain. Over the years, the public noticed how he went from having a toned body to a massively muscular physique.
The outlet also noted that Ma Dong Seok now felt more comfortable with his body than before.
Aside from this, he once revealed that exercising helped him with stress.
According to Men's Health, he shared that working out helped him release his anger, adding that it was the only thing he looked forward to.
Interestingly, one of his favorite exercises is boxing.
Before being an actor, he wanted to become a professional boxer. At 17, he moved from Seoul to Montana with his family and hoped to make it big in the said sports.
Unfortunately, instead of the boxing ring, he ended up washing dishes at a Chinese restaurant and would often clean office buildings.
From Rags to Riches
According to the same outlet, the big dreams of Ma Dong Seok end up in frustration. Instead of sulking over fitness helped him deal with it and would workout every day.
"At times, I'd ask myself why our family was so poor. That is when my workouts helped me release my stress and anger," he said.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Did Ma Dong Seok's 'The Roundup' Cast Receive Higher Salary Than 'The Outlaws'?
Now, he is among sought-after stars in Korea and cementing his name in Hollywood.
Aside from being a lead star, he is also the producer of "The Roundup."
Ma Dong Seok on 'The Roundup's' Success
The action comedy film is the sequel to the 2017 hit movie "The Outlaws."
Ma Dong Seok reprised his role as the monster detective Ma Suk Do who returns after four years to hunt down the new villain Gang Hae Sang, played by Son Seok Koo.
After more than three weeks since its premiere, "The Roundup" garnered more than 10 million audiences, making it South Korea's most-watched movie during the pandemic.
Over his Instagram, Ma Dong Seok often posts heartfelt messages to fans and viewers who supported the film.
In his recent IG post, the actor posed with a bear which appears to be a gift from fans.
"Thanks to my fans for gifting me with "Don Bear" and the wreath," he said.
