Ju Ji Hoon talks about the challenges and the changes he had to make as he headlines the movie "Unofficial Operation."
The top star teams up with Ha Jung Woo as they play the main characters in the newly released political drama film.
Taking on the role of Pan Su, Ju Ji Hoon transforms as Pan Su, a local taxi driver based in Beirut. He was caught up in the mission of diplomat Min Jun, portrayed by Ha Jung Woo, who is in Lebanon to rescue a missing colleague.
Ju Ji Hoon on Negative Effects of Drastic Transformation for 'Unofficial Operation'
During his interview with KBS Cool FM's "Park Myung Soo's Radio Show" to promote the movie, Ju Ji Hoon revealed the lengths he had to go through to portray the character.
According to the actor, he experienced health issues due to a sudden physical change.
Because of his character, he had to be perceived as someone who was distinctly strong. To achieve this, the actor worked out rigorously and intentionally gained 12 kg for the role.
"My character is a taxi driver who solicits customers in a region where there are no other Asians," he said, as reported by the media outlet, explaining the reason behind his body transformation. "So I thought my character needed to stand out and should be big so no one would view him as an easy target."
Ju Ji Hoon admitted that bulking up and gaining weight for a short period of time "wasn't easy." However, he did manage to lose weight, around 6 to 7 kg, but it took a toll on his health.
Due to the rapid changes in gaining and losing weight, the actor said that he developed an immune disorder. Unfortunately, Ju Ji Hoon suffered from health issues such as gout, or inflammatory arthritis, and tinnitus, or the ringing sound that a person affected by it hears, similar to a roaring or buzzing sound.
Although Ju Ji Hoon experienced health issues, it only shows how dedicated he is as an actor.
Interestingly, he managed to deliver an outstanding performance, playing Pan Su along with the equally talented Ha Jung Woo in "Unofficial Operation."
Is 'Unofficial Operation' Worth Watching?
Officially released in theaters on August 2, Ju Ji Hoon and Ha Jung Woo's movie is based on the true story of a diplomat who was kidnapped in Beirut, Lebanon.
Set in 1986, Min Jun's (Ha Jung Woo) mission is to save a missing colleague in Lebanon amid the country's crisis. He then encounters Pan Su (Ju Ji Hoon), a Korean taxi driver who gets involved in a dangerous mission.
"Unofficial Operation" is helmed by Kim Sung Hoon of "Kingdom" seasons 1 and 2 and the prequel, "Kingdom: Ashin of the North."
