Park Ji Hoon Opens Up About His Significant Weight Loss for "The King's Warden"

In The King’s Warden, Ji Hoon plays one of Korea’s historical figures with a heartbreaking story. Yi Hwang Wi, the sixth king of Joseon known as Danjong, ascended to the throne at only 12 years old and lived much of his short life in exile. He died at 17.

To portray the king’s emaciated state, Ji Hoon lost 15 kilograms in just two and a half months, going from around 154 pounds to 121. Speaking about his preparation, he described his diet method as “simple yet really difficult,” according to The Chosun Daily. “I just didn’t eat.”

He said he often subsisted on a slice of apple, and while this helped achieve the gaunt appearance required for the role, it also affected his health. Ji Hoon shared that he had difficulty sleeping and, at one point, struggled to tolerate the sight of food, vomiting after filming scenes in which he had to eat. Despite this, he maintained the diet until filming wrapped.

According to Allkpop, Ji Hoon also claimed to have no energy left. “I realized how dizzy I was while filming a scene where I had to shout.” He added, “There was a scene where I had to yell at Yoo Ji-tae. After shouting, I started walking and suddenly felt the room spinning.”

Fortunately, he didn't reach the point of collapsing. Assuring his supporters, he said, “It wasn’t at a dangerous level. I managed to endure filming while mustering just enough energy.” With a smile, he noted, “I remember getting through it by eating a piece of jelly here and there.”

Ji Hoon admitted that he did gain weight in the period after being cast and before filming. “It was the off-season for me. I was eating, sleeping, and playing without a care. Since it was vacation, I had no stress and was just enjoying myself,” The Chosun Daily reported.

Getting into an emaciated form was his way of “not to betray that trust” given to him by the director, Jang Hang-jun, who joked that “if Park Ji Hoon didn’t diet, this film could have been his last work.”

Park Ji Hoon stepped into the spotlight as a child actor. He rose to fame when he auditioned for the second season of Mnet’s Produce 101, which led him to become a member of the now-disbanded idol group, Wanna One. He pursued acting since, having appeared in various shows such as Weak Hero, Love Revolution, and Tastefully Yours.

Disclaimer: The information in this article does not constitute medical advice. The aforementioned diet is highly restrictive and may not be suitable for everyone.