Squid Game actor Heo Sung Tae revealed his struggles to portray his gangster role, Jang Deok Soo, perfectly.
The major antagonist Deok Soo notably flaunts his body full of tattoos on Squid Game. The antagonist is a Filipino gang member who chooses to reside in South Korea.
Just like the other participants of Oh Il Nam's Squid Game, Deok Soo joins the game to pay off his debts from the mafia. His physique makes him one of the most capable participants to win the game but unfortunately loses in the end.
Although viewers applauded him for his role and physique, the character's actor still suffers from the side effects of making one massive sacrifice for the film.
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Squid Game Asked Heo Sung Tae One Favor Before Playing Gangster Role
In the most recent interview about Squid Game, Sung Tae spoke candidly about the behind-the-scenes story fans need to know. Per the actor, he had to gain weight in a short period to give justice to Jang Deok Soo.
Sung Tae lost weight while he was on an acting break amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, everything changed when Squid Game's production team contacted him.
"When I met director Hwang Dong Hyuk, he asked me why I lost so much weight and told me that I had become so 'scrawny' when the physique of Deok Soo is vital to the character," he said.
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In one month, he reportedly gained 15 to 17 kgs. It was the first time he gained so much weight in a short period of time to secure the role.
Heo Sung Tae Suffering From Side Effects Of Gaining Weight
After filming the Netflix series, the actor went on a diet again and lost 10 kgs immediately. However, his sacrifice finally showed its teeth before him.
Although he lost almost all the amount of weight he added, the muscles on his calf were left torn. His knees also began hurting. With those changes he still faces, Sung Tae shared that his overall health depleted.
Despite being part of a hit series, the actor pledged to carefully consider again if he would be given another role where he needs to add more weight again.
In comparison, he saw gaining weight a lot harder than losing weight.
Aside from his health, Sung Tae also talked about whether or not he would join a real-life Squid Game.
"I don't think I would participate in the game. I would repay my debt no matter what. I am very competitive and have had the urge to win ever since I was young. However, I don't think I would do anything evil like Deok Soo," he went on.
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