Jo Jung Suk Sheds 7kg for the Movie ‘Pilot’: ‘I Had Promised the Costume Director"

Jo Jung Suk dished out on his preparation for his comeback movie "Pilot."

After 5 years since he filmed the 2019 action-comedy film "Exit," the South Korean star surprised fans with his unrecognizable transformation as he delved into a challenging role. 

Taking on the dual role of Han Jung Woo, viewers will get to see Jo Jung Suk's versatility as he plays a gender-bending character. 

Helmed by Kim Han Gyul of "The Most Ordinary Romance," the upcoming movie centers around a star pilot, Ha Jung Woo, who unexpectedly receives shocking news about his life. 

From being a once-top pilot, he becomes unemployed overnight. But instead of moping, he attempts to join the workforce by undergoing a shocking transformation by disguising himself as flight attendant Han Jung Mi. 

Joining Jo Jung Suk as the cast of "Pilot" are Han Sun Hwa, Lee Joo Myung, Shin Seung Ho, and more. 

Ahead of its release on July 31, the "Pilot" lead star talks about his preparation for his movie comeback. 

Jo Jung Suk on His Radical Transformation for the 'Pilot'

In an interview, Jo Jung Suk revealed that he purposely lost weight to look more feminine for the role. 

According to him, he shed 7kg and underwent a strict diet to lose weight. 

"I lost a lot of weight through a low-carb and high-fat diet because I had promised the costume director."

READ MORE: 'Hospital Playlist' Cast Update 2024: Who Will Be Returning in Season 3? 

Apart from this, Jo Jung Suk also revealed doing a lot of acupressure and lymph node massage to have a soft jawline. 

Besides his physical preparation, portraying a gender-bending role meant he had to dress differently.  According to the actor, he wore over 100 outfits as Han Jung Mi. 

Interestingly, he also made reference to the iconic Hollywood movie "Mrs. Doubtfire," played by the late award-winning actor Robin Williams.

"I think the director's perspective on this movie and the weight of comedy fit very well with mine.

If you watch the movie, you'll feel like it's a real comedy rather than a caricature."

Jo Jung Suk Revealed Why He Chose to Star in 'Pilot'

Known for his comical acting, Jo Jung Suk is best known for his role in "Hospital Playlist" as surgeon Lee Ik Jun. 

In addition to this, viewers were also drawn to his character in "Two Cops," alongside Hyeri and Kim Seon Ho. 

As for the reason he accepted the offer in "Pilot," Jo Jung Suk said that it's a role that he had never done before. 

"'Pilot' is a fresh, new, and challenging film that I wanted to try." 

Other than the comedy movie, Jo Jung Suk will also headline another upcoming movie, "The Land of Happiness," which is set to air in 2024. 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: K-drama Stars With Soulful Voices: Jo Jung Suk, Kang Ha Neul, More!

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Written by Geca Flores