The Struggle of a Transformative Actor

In the ever-competitive world of K-Dramas, rising star Lee Jung Ha is making waves with his recent role in Disney+’s hit series "Moving." While fans are captivated by the show’s intriguing storyline and high-profile cast, Lee’s remarkable physical transformation has become a talking point. However, ironically, this change has left him largely unrecognized in public.

30 Kilograms of Dedication

Lee Jung Ha stunned audiences by dropping 30 kilograms (about 66 lbs) to embody the character Kim Bong Seok — a high school senior with extraordinary powers. In a fascinating twist, Bong Seok comes from a lineage of superhumans, featuring parents with unique abilities played by Jo In Sung and Han Hyo Joo. Yet, the catch? His mother compels him to gain weight to keep his powers hidden.

The Weight Gain Journey

Despite the challenges of gaining weight, Lee Jung Ha embraced the journey. "I was genuinely happy to eat while transforming into Bong Seok," he revealed. He focused on indulging in all sorts of instant noodles, making it a point to avoid hunger altogether. His dedication to his craft shines through as he explained, "The more I gained, the closer I felt to becoming Bong Seok."

The Long Road Back

However, the struggle didn’t end with filming. It took Lee nearly a year to shed the extra weight and return to his former self, highlighting the taxing effects of such physical transformations. Yet, amid the difficulties of weight fluctuation, Lee faces an unexpected hurdle: despite his dramatic change, many still fail to recognize him as Bong Seok.

The Disheartening Reality

In a candid recounting of interactions, Lee shared a poignant moment when a friend of his sister couldn’t believe he was the star of "Moving." "I felt disheartened that even claiming to be Bong Seok didn’t convince her," he lamented. Nonetheless, as the show gained popularity, the compliments about his portrayal began pouring in, lifting his spirits.

From Debut to Dreams

Making his acting debut in 2017 with "Heart Attack Warning," Lee Jung Ha has already starred in several K-Dramas, such as "Run On" and "Nevertheless." When asked about future aspirations, he confidently expressed a desire to delve into classic romances, citing his interest in movies like "About Time" and wishing to participate in beloved series like "Reply."

What's Next for Lee Jung Ha?

Having recently landed his first leading role in "One: High School Heroes" and making a cameo in "Good Boy," Lee is clearly on an upward trajectory. As he continues to evolve as an actor and navigate the complexities of fame, it will be exciting to see how he channels his experiences into future roles.