South Korean actor Lee Jong-suk (이종석) has finally responded to the 'weight gain controversy' that arose in September during his Hawaii vacation, following his July breakup with singer IU (아이유) after approximately four years of dating. He revealed that a recent body composition analysis showed a high body fat percentage, jokingly calling it his 'off-season.' He also expressed his frustration, admitting that while he wants to build a more muscular physique, he's torn because fans prefer his leaner appearance, unexpectedly revealing the unspoken body image pressures male celebrities face.
To promote his new drama, Queen of Divorce, Lee Jong-suk appeared on the YouTube channel 'TEO's' program If You Meet Your Doppelganger, One of You Disappears on November 3, where he chatted with host Jang Do-yeon (장도연) about his recent life. Discussing his eating habits, he confessed that he doesn't particularly love sweets, but after every meal, he feels an almost compulsive need to eat dessert.
Jang Do-yeon then playfully asked if Lee Jong-suk always maintained strict dietary control, saying, "Weren't you always in peak condition?" Lee Jong-suk immediately denied it, admitting that his current physique isn't as ideal as people might think. He revealed, "I measured my InBody (body composition) for the first time in a long while recently, and my body fat percentage was too high. So, I'm completely in my off-season right now."
Speaking about his body changes, Lee Jong-suk also shared his concerns, stating he doesn't know what to do. "If I build muscle through exercise, my fans don't seem to like it as much. I often hear people say, 'Jong-suk, you look prettier when you're thinner.'"
However, the physique Lee Jong-suk truly aspires to seems to be completely different from what his fans expect. He laughed as he stated, "My ideal body type has always been Tom Hardy. I've always preferred that somewhat masculine, manly image." His comment drew laughter from everyone present.
In fact, in September, Lee Jong-suk posted several photos from a Hawaiian beach on social media, which unexpectedly sparked the 'weight gain controversy.' Compared to his past appearance, his previously sharp jawline seemed less defined, and he looked slightly rounder overall, even showing a slight belly. This immediately drew heated discussions from some netizens, with comments like "He seems to have gained a little weight," "He looked better before," "Is he in his off-season now?" and "Completely in vacation mode!" The related discussions quickly spread.
Now that Lee Jong-suk has personally addressed his body image on the show, it serves as a direct response to the past 'weight gain' controversy. His desire for a more muscular, masculine physique, coupled with the contradiction of fans preferring a slender look, reveals the significant pressure male celebrities also face regarding their appearance.
Born in 1989, Lee Jong-suk officially debuted in 2010 with the SBS drama Prosecutor Princess. He has since appeared in films such as The Face Reader, Hot Young Bloods, and V.I.P., as well as dramas including High Kick! Revenge of the Short Legged, School 2013, and I Can Hear Your Voice. In July 2023, news also broke of his breakup with singer IU (Lee Ji-eun, 이지은), who is four years his junior, after approximately four years of dating.
