Director Denies Pressuring Lead Actress To Lose Weight After She Reveals Dieting For Role

The director of actress Park Bo Young’s latest K-Drama has addressed the story behind her weight loss for the role.

| @boyoung0212_official/Instagram

On May 29, 2026 (KST), director Kim Sung Hoon sat down for an interview following the conclusion of Disney+’s original series Gold Land. The survival thriller follows Kim Hee Joo, played by Park Bo Young, as she fights to claim ₩150 billion KRW (about $99.5 million USD) worth of gold bars from a smuggling organization amid chaos, greed, and betrayal.

During a previous interview, Park Bo Young revealed that she had lost around 6.6 pounds (3 kilograms) at the director’s request for the role. Kim Sung Hoon has now personally clarified what happened, drawing laughter with his explanation.

According to the director, he never directly told Park Bo Young to lose weight. “Bo Young is really kind. She’s very sincere,” he said, before explaining that he did not say something as straightforward as, “I want you to lose some weight.” Instead, he said he only hinted at the idea by discussing the character’s condition as the story progressed.

“I would say something like, ‘As Hee Joo’s story continues, wouldn’t she probably look a little more gaunt?’

— Kim Sung Hoon

The director also praised Park Bo Young’s strict self-discipline on set. He recalled one moment when a snack truck came to the filming location, and Park Bo Young was eating corn. According to Kim Sung Hoon, many people would have simply continued eating despite the comment. Park Bo Young, however, put the corn down.

Director Kim Sung Hoon

I jokingly said, ‘Did you know corn has more calories than you might think?’ It was not my intention, but she stopped eating right then and there.

I really thought, ‘Her parents must be so happy.’ She’s pretty, makes good money, and listens well. If I’m born again, I want to be born as Park Bo Young’s father.

— Kim Sung Hoon

He then connected Park Bo Young’s discipline to her performance in Gold Land. “I think that is similar to why Park Bo Young was able to play Hee Joo,” he said.

She has a strong desire and will to do well. That is why I trusted Bo Young and liked her so much.

— Kim Sung Hoon

Read more about Park Bo Young here:

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