Actor Yoo Ji-tae has spoken candidly about long-standing rumors and personal stories related to his body, drawing attention with his honest reflections on extreme dedication to his craft.

In a recently released YouTube program, Yoo addressed the rumor that he practiced abstinence during the filming of Oldboy. He explained, “The character is someone whose growth has stopped—someone without a life of his own.” It was a deliberate interpretation made to fully embody the role.

The host expressed admiration for Yoo’s commitment, noting that such dedication likely led to the iconic performance. Yoo added that he constantly restricted himself and immersed deeply to bring the character to life.

He also recalled gaining up to 105 kilograms for the drama Vigilante, sharing humorous anecdotes about being mistaken for someone from a completely different line of work due to his appearance.

Yoo further revealed a childhood experience involving a misprescribed medication. He said he was given a steroid-containing drug for a skin condition, which caused rapid weight gain. “There are photos online where I look very round—that’s me in elementary school,” he shared calmly.

Yoo Ji-tae’s story goes beyond clearing up rumors. It reveals his approach to character interpretation, physical transformation for roles, and the lasting marks on his life—once again affirming him as an actor who puts acting above all else.