Director Refutes Claims of Pressuring Lead Actress to Lose Weight Following Role Preparation Disclosure

Park Bo Young’s weight loss for her new drama Gold Land got attention—and now the director is clearing the air.

The controversy started after Park revealed she lost about 6.6 pounds (3 kilograms) for the role.

Director Kim Sung Hoon spoke up in a May 29 interview (KST), explaining he never outright told her to lose weight.

He said he only hinted, saying stuff like,

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

Kim praised Park’s dedication on set, sharing a funny moment when a snack truck came around. She was eating corn until Kim joked,

“Did you know corn has more calories than you might think?”

He said she stopped eating right away. The director added,

“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 tied her discipline to her acting skills:

“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

Gold Land streams on Disney+, where Park Bo Young plays Kim Hee Joo, fighting for ₩150 billion (about $99.5 million USD) in gold bars amid chaos and betrayal.