Emmy-winning actress Lee You Mi once again proved her deep commitment to acting after disclosing a dramatic physical transformation for her latest role in the Netflix show "As You Stood By." The actress revealed she lost almost nine pounds to convey the emotional and physical pain of the character.

According to Koreaboo, the thriller follows two women plotting to kill one of their abusive husbands in a desperate attempt to get out of years of violence. Lee plays Jo Hee Soo, a once-promising children's book author whose life spirals into despair under the weight of domestic abuse. The film was released on November 7, 2025.

When asked about her frail appearance in the drama, Lee was bluntly honest as she talked about her extreme version of method acting. "Yes, I lost weight. Hee Soo's mealtimes are never relaxed or comfortable... She eats only because she has to eat with her husband. So, I wanted her to look physically frail and show pain in her body," the actress said.

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She said that during filming, she decreased to a very dangerous weight to show how much her character suffered. "I filmed at around 37 kilograms. Usually, I'm around 41 kilograms, but I lost weight for this project to fully embody the character. I tried to sleep a lot so I wouldn't think about food," she explained.

In an interview cited by News1, Lee said such intense preparation is something she's grown accustomed to in her acting process. "Actually, I've always had trouble eating properly while filming. In a way, I think my body might be made for this kind of role," she said.

"As You Stood By" explores the complex emotional and moral struggles of women pushed to their limits by violence. The series was notable not just for its dark, intense plot but even more so for Lee's disturbingly realistic representation of trauma and resilience. Lee You Mi is an accomplished actress, recognized for her acting credits in "Squid Game" and "All of Us Are Dead."

This performance is already earning praise for her fearlessness in continually changing with each character. A recipient of an Emmy Award for work completed, this performance further establishes her as one of South Korea's most exciting actresses.

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