Actress Kim Ji-won reveals she managed her diet for a year for her role
On 19th March, Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Ji-won, and Park Sung-hoon, the main cast of tvN’s Saturday-Sunday drama “The Queen of Tears,” recently appeared on Jang Do-yeon’s YouTube channel, “TEO 테오,” in a video titled “The First Meeting is Too Awkward! Introverts Whose Plans Don’t Go According to Plan | EP.32 Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Ji-won, Park Sung-hoon | Salon Drip 2“
During the conversation, Jang Do-yeon asked Kim Ji-won if she followed a specific diet for health reasons. Kim Ji-won explained that while health was a factor, the primary reason for her strict diet was the demands of her role. She needed to maintain a certain physical appearance for the variety of outfits she wore throughout the filming. This commitment required her to meticulously manage her diet for about a year.
Kim Ji-won went on to surprise everyone by revealing the extent of her dietary restrictions. She not only followed a specific plan but also avoided heavy foods altogether, and I don’t think I’ve eaten Chinese food for about a year. Remarkably, she even abstained from eating lunch for an entire year!
Jang Do-yeon’s disbelief mirrored the audience’s reaction. She specifically asked if Kim Ji-won had avoided Jjajangmyeon (Korean black bean noodles) for a whole year. Kim Ji-won confirmed this sacrifice, revealing her intense craving for the dish. She had even bought Jjajangmyeon in anticipation of indulging after filming wrapped. Unfortunately, a new round of promotional schedules forced her to postpone her culinary reward. “I still need to film for the show,” she sighed.
The dedication required for an actor’s role was truly highlighted in this exchange. Jang Do-yeon expressed her sympathy, acknowledging the toughness of the profession. Kim Ji-won, despite the challenges, remained optimistic, expressing her eagerness to finally enjoy her Jjajangmyeon “after this is over.”
Kim Soo-hyun, also on the show, provided a relatable anecdote about his own dietary struggles. He admitted to maintaining a good diet until a trip to Germany, where the allure of Schweinshaxe (German pork knuckle) proved too tempting. He humorously described the explosion of flavor and the necessity of bread to counteract the salty sausage.
The dedication and perseverance of these actors, particularly Kim Ji-won’s year-long dietary commitment, offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes realities of portraying a character.