- By Srishti Pandey
- Fri, 28 Mar 2025 04:33 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Park Bo Gum has put in extra effort to bring his character Yang Gwan Sik to life in When Life Gives You Tangerines, starring alongside IU. The actor recently shared details about his transformation, revealing that he gained 5 kgs and underwent significant physical changes to suit the role.
Set on Jeju Island, the series follows a rebellious girl and a determined boy as they evolve from young lovers to responsible family members. To fit the part of Yang Gwan Sik, who grew up on the island doing various labor-intensive jobs like fishing and fish mongering, Park Bo Gum adjusted his physique and appearance accordingly.
In an interview with Star News, the actor explained, “I looked more muscular than I thought, but my face looked slim.” This prompted him to gain weight, ensuring he appeared more suited for the physically demanding role.
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Apart from weight gain, Park Bo Gum also needed to achieve a darker, sun-kissed complexion, reflecting a character who spent most of his life outdoors. He revealed that the makeup team applied a dark-coloured foundation all over his body to make his skin look naturally tanned. He humorously noted that efforts were even made to make him look less handsome.
His co-star IU also playfully mentioned in a Teen Vogue interview that she wondered if it was “okay for him to be that good-looking” for the role. Meanwhile, director Kim Won Seok aimed to tone down Park Bo Gum’s usual polished look to align with the rugged nature of his character.
The actor also shared his favourite dialogue from the 16-episode Netflix series. He picked a line related to selling cabbage, explaining that it best represents his character's emotions toward Ae Sun (played by IU). He described it as carrying “feelings of support, affection, and care.”
Also Read: IU And Park Bo Gum Recall 'Awkward' Kiss In When Life Gives You Tangerines: ‘We Stayed True To...’