Nam Joo Hyuk sheds 7 kg for role in Netflix’s ‘The East Palace’ series

Actor Nam Joo Hyuk reduced his weight by about 7 kg, dropping from roughly 85 kg at the start of filming to 78 kg by the end, to portray the ghost‑hunter Gu Cheon in Netflix’s Korean fantasy‑action drama The East Palace. He undertook the transformation after a three‑year hiatus that included mandatory military service, and continued shooting even while suffering a flu.

The East Palace, starring Nam Joo Hyuk and Roh Yoon‑seo, is set in the Joseon era and weaves Korean history, royal rituals and folklore into its plot. It introduces the concept of “gwi‑mae,” spirits born from negative energies, and features creatures such as the parasitic Ggeokmeoksali. The series has resonated with global audiences, reaching the No. 2 spot on Netflix’s non‑English TV chart in its second week.