In Seoul this week, actress Park Ji-hyun revealed she fasted for two to three weeks. This was during filming of the Netflix drama You and Everything Else. She said the extreme step helped show her character’s fragility in her 40s. This reveals the intense pressures actors face to appear authentic.
Park shared this in an interview in Seoul. She plays Cheon Sang-yeon, a character whose story spans from her 20s to 40s. The series premiered on September 12. It explores the complex relationship between Sang-yeon and Eun-jung, filled with admiration, envy, resentment, and love.
To play Sang-yeon’s struggling 20s, Park slimmed down intentionally. She did not track her weight exactly but wanted her character to look thinner. This reflected her family’s financial struggles. To stay warm during cold filming, she wore thermal layers and created an “Iron Man–style” suit powered by six small batteries.
For Sang-yeon’s 30s, Park gained weight naturally without tracking it. Then, for the 40s phase, she fasted for weeks. She drank only water and Americanos. Park also cried before scenes to show emotional vulnerability.
Park admitted it was hard to stay composed. Though her 40s character was calm, she cried when looking at co-star Kim Go-eun. The swelling and tears matched the transformation she aimed for.
Critics praised Park’s dedication. Her extreme efforts highlight the pressure on actors, especially women, to undergo drastic physical changes. Recently, many actors worldwide have shared similar stories of weight changes. This has sparked debates about mental and physical health in entertainment.
Experts warn these practices can harm long-term health. One performance health expert said prolonged fasting can cause nutrient loss, muscle breakdown, hormone imbalance, and mental stress. They recommend actors work with nutritionists and doctors during such changes.
In the bigger picture, streaming platforms and prestige dramas raise expectations for perfect looks and intense method acting. In South Korea, some actors now have contracts limiting weight loss or requiring medical checks on set.
Looking ahead, Park’s admission may lead to calls for safer work conditions in film and TV. Fans and industry insiders may push for rules protecting actors’ health during physical transformations. Meanwhile, viewers will watch if You and Everything Else delivers emotionally—and if Park’s dramatic physical transformation sparks change in the industry.
