Yoo Ji Tae is opening up about the intense physical toll behind his latest hit film.
The actor appeared on tvN’s You Quiz on the Block on March 25th, where he shared behind-the-scenes stories from The King’s Warden, which has surpassed 13.6 million moviegoers as of filming and has since crossed 15 million.
“I never imagined something like this would happen in my life,” Yoo Ji Tae said, reflecting on the film’s success. Host Yoo Jae Suk joked that the audience count was rising so quickly that the subtitle team had to keep updating it in real time.
The film has climbed into the top tier of Korea’s all-time box office rankings, with Yoo Ji Tae saying, “I’d be more than happy with No. 3. No. 1 feels a bit of a stretch,” referencing the record held by The Admiral: Roaring Currents. The King’s Warden now ranks No. 1 in total revenue, thanks in part to higher ticket prices today.
<왕과 사는 남자> 1500만 관객 돌파🎉
입춘에 개봉한 <왕과 사는 남자>가
어느덧 벚꽃을 맞이할 준비를 합니다.끝없는 흥행 여정에 동행해주신
1500만 백성여러분 진심으로 감사드리며,그동안 보여드리지 못한
팀 왕사남의 따뜻한 순간들 열다섯 장면을 공개합니다✨<왕과 사는 남자>… pic.twitter.com/PrPGvBX5nw
— SHOWBOX (@showboxmovie) March 25, 2026
For Yoo Ji Tae, the film also marks his first “10-million movie” in his 28-year career. “My friends kept sending me screenshots. I felt really proud,” he said.
He also shared a glimpse of the film’s celebratory wrap party, recalling, “I don’t know if I’ll ever experience an atmosphere like that again.” He added that director Jang Hang Jun kept things light, joking, “Make up some good stories about me,” which drew laughs.
But the role itself wasn’t easy.
To portray his character, Yoo Ji Tae underwent a dramatic transformation, gaining close to 100 kilograms. “Director Jang Hang Jun originally wanted a slimmer version of the character,” he explained. “But since he’s the main villain, I felt he needed a heavier, more imposing presence.”
The extreme weight gain came at a cost. “I went through everything — high cholesterol, acute gastritis, even colitis,” he admitted. “Basically, every health issue you can think of.”
He added with a laugh that the director “wasn’t exactly thrilled” with the decision, but still embraced it. “His greatest strength is his willingness to accept things,” Yoo Ji Tae said — before jokingly following through on the director’s request.
>> Lee Young Ae, Yoo Ji Tae Team Up Again 25 Years After ‘One Fine Spring Day’
In the meantime, watch trending K-dramas for free on Amasian TV.
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