The Korean entertainment industry is a very competitive arena, and actors have needed to go to the very last mile to keep things real on screen.

One of the most striking ways they do this is by dramatically changing their bodies through weight gain.

Whether going from muscular action parts to serious dramas and comedies, these changes aid in truth and depth to the way they perform.

Below is a list of Korean stars who committed to gaining weight for their roles, showcasing their dedication and versatility as actors.

1. Wi Ha Joon

Wi Ha Joon put on 10 kilograms for his part in "Blood Hounds." After appearing thin in "Little Women," the actor revealed a sturdier frame and fuller cheeks, then lost the extra weight in record time once filming wrapped.

2. Lee Jung Jae

Lee Jung Jae, known for his role in "Squid Game," surprised fans by gaining 20 kilograms for his tough cop character in "The Roundup: No Way Out."

Co-stars said he consumed six meals a day to achieve the bulkier physique and lend authenticity to the role.

3. Kim Go Eun

In the same way actress Kim Go Eun–known for her role in "Goblin"–gained 8 kilograms for her role in "Sunset in My Hometown."

In interviews, she said she ate more for the part, and critics responded positively to her performance, saying it was believable and relatable.

In interviews, she said she ate more for the part, and critics responded positively to her performance, saying it was believable and relatable.

4. Go Kyung-pyo

Great Reply 1988 star Go Kyung-pyo gained weight for the role. The 645 actor put on around 20 kilograms for his upcoming movie past to transition into his character.

5. Na In Woo

In the comedy, Motel California, Na In Woo changed his visual intentionally to emphasize the color of his character, which is also a great risk to his career.

The play was a surprise hit, and audiences appreciated his comedic timing.

6. Lee Jung Ha

Lee Jung Ha gained a striking 30 kilograms for the action-heavy drama "Moving."

Fans said they barely recognized him initially. Remarkably, he lost all the weight soon after filming concluded.

7. Lee Sung Kyung

Lee Sung Kyung, a model-turned-actress, trained vigorously to portray a weightlifter in "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bachju." Her larger, athletic build helped audiences see her as a committed athlete rather than a runway model.

8. Claudia Kim

Claudia Kim, who has appeared in "Fantastic Beasts," adjusted her look for the family-themed "The Typical Family."

By adopting a drastically different image, she showcased her versatility as an actress.

9. Yoo Ji Tae

After appearing in "Money Heist Korea," veteran actor Yoo Ji Tae took on a demanding role in "Memories," adding 10 kilograms.

He was known for his slender figure, and contained this weight until the end of production to remain in character.

10. Han Soo Hee

Han Soo Hee who gained attention from "Nevertheless" gained 10 kg for her acting role in action movie "Name."

Her newly athletic build helped her perform her own stunts, earning praise from viewers for her commitment to authenticity.

11. Heo Sung Tae

In the meantime, Heo Sung Tae, the antagonist in "Squid Game" for the thriller "Quiz Game," gained 17 kilograms.

The added weight gave his on-screen persona a more intimidating edge and made the film's antagonist especially memorable.

12. Jang Dong Yoon

One of South Korea's most revered entertainers,Jang Dong Yoon gained 14 kilograms for the sports drama "Like Flowers in Sand."

Despite his established stardom, he chose a dramatic change to better serve the story, resulting in a poignant performance.

13. Go Ara

In another "Reply 1988" appearance, Goara took on 8 kilograms, creating a laid-back "girl next door" look. Her transformation was praised as an example of the show's commitment to authenticity.

14. Nam Joo Hyuk

Nam Joo Hyuk, familiar to many from "Startup," gained 8 kilograms for "The Beauty Inside." This shift showed he was willing to break from the typical "perfect" look to fully inhabit the character.

15. Ahn Jae Hong

Ahn Jae Hong rounded out the list, reinventing his appearance for the comedy "Dr. Park's Clinic."

His newly built physique heightened the humor and warmth in his performance, making it one of his most notable roles.

The dedication of these actors underscores the intense demands of the Korean entertainment industry, where gaining or losing weight can be integral to a role.

Despite pressures to maintain certain standards, their dramatic physical transformations demonstrate the lengths they will go to for authenticity and memorable performances.