Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo may be inspired by a true story, but the casting was still perfect

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo | Image Via: Chorokbaem Media
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo | Image Via: Chorokbaem Media

Olympic gold medalist Jang Mi Ran becomes the inspiration for the storyline of Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo, but it must be noted that this K-drama is not a true story. The storyline rather gets inspiration from Jang Mi Ran. Along with it, certain elements of fiction are added to enhance the overall appeal.

This K-drama dropped quite a few years back. Yet, the relevance of the story still remains amongst the viewers. Though there is a huge fan base for this series, many viewers have voiced their opinion about the casting. Many point out that the casting of the series should have adhered to depicting the exact physical appearance.

This article reflects the writer's opinions. Readers' discretion is advised.


Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo may be inspired by a true story, but the casting was still perfect

TV shows that are based on real-life incidents often raise the intrigue of the viewers as they expect to see a realistic depiction of the storyline. However, in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo’s case, it is not the same.

The storyline only takes some inspiration from Jang Mi Ran’s life. Most of the storyline is fiction. Many viewers might think that the casting should have stayed accurate to the inspiration; however, it must be noted that the creative freedom applies in this situation, as it is fiction.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo | Image Via: Chorokbaem Media
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo | Image Via: Chorokbaem Media

Lee Sung-Kyung perfectly captured the essence of her role. It cannot be denied that rapidly gaining weight for a role is definitely not an easy task. It comes with its own set of health issues that need to be considered. Along with it, the aspect of strict beauty standards in the world of entertainment often makes the actors conscious about the choices they make for a character.

The beauty standard for this line of work often requires the lead to look a certain way to enhance the appeal of the show. It cannot be denied that Lee Sung-Kyung put on 10 kg extra weight to fit into the role, which is already commendable. In an interview, she admitted to still having the “stretch marks from rapid weight gain” from taking on the role of Kim Bok-joo. Lee Sung-kyung gave a stellar performance. She brought forth a distinct layer of authenticity that the character needed her to provide.

There is a distinct dedication with which Lee Sung-kyung depicts Kim Bok-joo’s character. Her performance makes it truly difficult to see anyone other than her being able to do justice to the role. Through the struggles that Bok-joo went through, especially related to her father’s health, the extreme stress from the competition, along with the multiple hurdles that came her way on the path to success, was perfectly brought to life by Lee Sung-kyung’s performance.

From the moment Bok-joo joined the athletics college, her mind was set towards her goals. The cast members of Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo undoubtedly do justice to their corresponding characters. They are able to make the series such a successful one and impactful as well.

Besides the multiple projects that Lee Sung-kyung took on, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo is a story that touches the hearts of the viewers with its realism, besides the touch of humor that is present throughout.

Though many viewers indicate that the casting could have been more accurate, Lee Sung-kyun’s performance is truly incomparable in this series. She does justice to the character and makes this series a go-to choice for binge-watching.


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Edited by KOUSHIKI ROY