Actor Lee Sung Min surprised fans after appearing with a much slimmer look, leading many to wonder if he was facing health problems.
The actor has now been confirmed to have intentionally lost more than 10 kilograms (22 pounds) to prepare for his role in the upcoming film “Ode to My Father 2.” The transformation gained attention on July 13 when “Dazed Korea” shared a behind-the-scenes video from Lee Sung Min’s August cover shoot on Instagram.
According to The Chosun, the magazine playfully referenced his role as Education Minister Choi Kang Seok from the Netflix series “Teach You a Lesson,” writing, “Anyone who interrupts the August edition shoot will be taught a lesson.” It also added, “Education Minister Choi Kang Seok has arrived at the Dazed photoshoot. Anyone who interferes with his shoot will be thoroughly dealt with.”
During the fashion shoot, Lee Sung Min confidently modeled different styles, including cardigans, pleated skirts, and sky-blue shirts.
While many admired how naturally he wore the bold outfits, most viewers focused on his striking physical change. His sharper jawline and lean frame left many saying they could hardly recognize him.
Lee Sung Min’s 10kg Transformation Explained
Fans quickly filled the comment section with praise and concern. Some admired the hard work behind his transformation, while others worried he had lost too much weight in a short time.
The sudden change sparked online speculation that the veteran actor could be dealing with health issues. However, Lee Sung Min had already shared the real reason behind his appearance during an earlier guest spot on the YouTube variety show “Pinggyego.”
He explained that he deliberately lost around 10 kilograms to fully portray his character in “Ode to My Father 2,” AllKPop reported.
Once fans learned that the weight loss was part of his acting preparation, many expressed support and encouraged him to stay healthy while filming.
The sequel continues the story of the 2014 hit film “Ode to My Father,” which followed key moments in modern Korean history.
The new movie will explore later events, including the June Democratic Uprising of 1987, the 1992 Los Angeles Riots, the launch of South Korea’s civilian government in 1993, the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, and the 2002 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by South Korea and Japan.
Lee Sung Min plays Sung Min, a former miner who worked in Germany and later becomes a devoted father willing to sacrifice everything for his family.