On December 26, a video titled “People Who Chased and Were Chased” was uploaded to actor Lee Jong-hyuk’s YouTube channel “Seondo Bujang Lee Jong-hyuk.” The episode featured Lee Jong-hyuk, Jang Hyuk, Oh Ji-ho, Han Jung-soo, and Lee Han-wi reminiscing about their time filming The Slave Hunters.
Reflecting on the drama’s appeal, Lee Jong-hyuk said, “Some actors had a lot of exposure, some didn’t. Since it was such a masculine drama, it wasn’t just women male viewers really loved it too.”
Naturally, the conversation turned to body management and fitness. Oh Ji-ho commented, “Since the focus was on men fighting and action scenes, I’m sure everyone worked hard on their bodies.” He then singled out Jang Hyuk, saying, “The most hardcore one was him. There were scenes filmed up in the hills, and he would actually climb the mountain to work out. His manager carried the exercise equipment up there. We didn’t go that far.”
Actor Han Jung-soo backed up the story with even more detail. “I felt bad, so I never carried heavy equipment. I used resistance bands light and easy to carry. But Jang Hyuk had 15kg to 20kg dumbbells. They were climbing mountains, and his manager was carrying them,” he revealed. “I remember thinking, ‘The manager is getting more of a workout than the actor.’”
The cast couldn’t resist joking about it. Lee Han-wi quipped, “Jang Hyuk’s managers must have had a high turnover rate.” Han Jung-soo quickly clarified with a laugh, “Actually, that manager was a former career soldier his physique was already amazing.”
Lee Han-wi added, “So he hired someone perfectly suited for the job.” Han Jung-soo finished the story by joking, “By the time the drama ended, the manager’s body was better than Jang Hyuk’s.”
Known for his discipline and intense preparation, Jang Hyuk has long been respected for his commitment to roles particularly in physically demanding projects like The Slave Hunters, which remains one of the most iconic action sageuk dramas in Korean television history.
These lighthearted revelations once again reminded fans why The Slave Hunters wasn’t just memorable for its story but also for the sheer dedication of its cast behind the scenes.
Sources: Naver