Actor Namkoong Min recalled the hardships that once brought him to tears when he gained 18kg for Black Sun.
On the 10th broadcast, KBS2 Problem Child in House featured actor Namkoong Min as a guest.
That day Namkoong Min recalled his dazzling filmography befitting a triple award-winning actor who won the best actor award three times for Stove League, Black Sun and Lover, saying, "It took a long time to reach the top award. In particular, when I received the top award for Black Sun, I welled up."
He also revealed the extreme bulk-up process he undertook for the role.
Namkoong Min said, "My usual weight is about 71~72kg, but after reading the Black Sun script I thought I needed to be bigger. I also had a romanticized idea about bulking up." He added, "I started at 66kg and increased to 84kg. I gained a total of 18kg and exercised for about 10 months," which surprised everyone.
To do this he exercised three hours a day and maintained a strict diet. He said, "I ate 5 to 7 meals a day," and added, "I was so stressed that I had nightmares about going to set and losing my muscles."
He said the grueling process eventually made him cry. Namkoong Min honestly confessed, "I cried while working out. The physical work was so painful," adding, "I cried alone in the shower thinking, 'Why did I agree to do this?'"
But his effort paid off. Namkoong Min expressed pride, saying, "When I actually went to the set, I gained confidence."
He said he now maintains a more natural physique than at that time. He shared, "Now I only maintain 'fashion muscles' and have reduced to 67kg, managing more with diet than exercise."
[photo] 'Rooftop'
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