Actor Kang Hoon on Playing a High School Student in His 30s

In the bustling world of Korean drama, few transformations have been as intriguing as that of actor Kang Hoon for Netflix’s A Time Called You. At 32, Kang Hoon took on the challenge of playing an 18-year-old high school student, a role that required both physical and emotional adjustments.

The narrative of A Time Called You is as unexpected as it is captivating. The protagonist, Junhee, played by Jeon Yeo Bin, is transported to the year 1998 after a heart-wrenching loss. Fate leads her to Si Heon, played by Ahn Hyo Seop, who bears an uncanny resemblance to her late partner. Alongside Si Heon is his friend, In Gyu, a character that Kang Hoon masterfully brings to life. This drama, rich in twists and turns, is an adaptation of a Taiwanese series.

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Diving into the character

Diving into the character of In Gyu, Kang Hoon faced the unique challenge of revisiting his youth. He said, “Putting on a school uniform didn’t invoke pressure. It brought nostalgia instead. I imagined putting on the uniform would take me back to my school days, but I felt the metamorphosis into a student from the moment I stepped onto the set.”

That metamorphosis wasn’t just emotional. Kang Hoon’s role required a physical transformation as well. He shared, “Recalling my school memories and integrating them into my performance often occurred. I received varied feedback—some stated I was convincing as a high schooler, and others disagreed. However, I chose not to pay much attention to those negatives.”

The actor’s commitment to authenticity extended to his physical appearance. When asked about the secret to his youthful look, Kang Hoon revealed, “I exercised a lot but soon realized it was not a common habit among school-aged adolescents. I decided to refrain from extensive workouts and focused on weight loss instead.” His dedication bore fruit as he lost almost 18 pounds, ensuring he resembled a typical high school student.

Kang Hoon and his remarkable transformation

At a towering height of 184cm (6.1ft), Kang Hoon’s transformation was all the more remarkable. He elaborated on his weight journey, stating, “My usual weight fluctuates around 74kg (~163lbs). Being lean seemed appropriate for a student’s role. Even though I did exercise during my school days, I was relatively skinny. Most of my friends were overweight or skinny.” This further highlighted the lengths to which the actor went to ensure an authentic portrayal.

Kang Hoon’s dedication to A Time Called You is a shining example of an actor’s commitment to their craft. By intertwining his personal memories with the character’s narrative and undergoing a significant physical transformation, he solidified his reputation as a versatile and dedicated actor in the world of K-dramas. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: He’s in his 30s, but he looks so much younger! Source: Twitter/@kanghoonarchive.