Ahn Jae Hyun: Gained 17kg and doing 1,000 crunches for bed scenes

Actor Ahn Jae Hyun has revealed his transformed approach to self-care, turning the weight gain and exercise he initially started for his roles into a permanent daily routine. Once considered the epitome of "fragile beauty," he is now building a completely different physical image through a regimen of 1,000 daily abdominal crunches, sobriety, and strict dietary management.

On the 7th, Ahn resumed his activities after about a year by releasing a video titled "Ahn Jae Hyun is restarting YouTube" on his personal YouTube channel. This second season is designed to capture his daily life as he moves between familiar and new spaces.

The first thing that caught the eye in the video was the exercise equipment placed throughout his home. Rising from the sofa, Ahn complained of discomfort in his legs, saying, "I did lower body exercises the day before yesterday, so it's not very good." This suggests his training is not just a one-time effort but a sustained commitment.

The indoor stationary bike in his living room also showcased his changed lifestyle. "These days, I definitely spend an hour with it," Ahn explained, revealing that he continues to exercise every day. He noted that it has been nearly two months since he started his morning workouts, and exercising has now become an integral part of his daily life.

His eating habits have also shifted significantly. He stated that he hardly cooks these days, instead opting for eggs, sweet potatoes, almonds, and bananas. He added that although he loves snacks, he avoids them to maintain his diet.

His sobriety, in particular, drew attention. "It's been over three weeks since I last drank," Ahn revealed, adding, "I'm not drinking because of my workouts." For someone who previously preferred draft beer over cafes, sobriety is more than just moderation; it is a lifestyle shift driven by his goal to build his physique.

An even more intense routine was revealed at the gym. "I do 1,000 abdominal crunches every day as my first and last exercise," Ahn said, completing a massive amount of core work. After finishing the workout, he appeared completely exhausted, demonstrating the intensity of his current physical management.

The catalyst for this change was his preparation for acting roles. Appearing on KBS2's "Problem Child in House" last April, Ahn revealed that his lowest weight was 60kg and explained that he has since increased his weight through exercise.

The direct motivation for his weight gain was a drama featuring a bed scene. Ahn stated that he began exercising because he needed a more muscular physique, reaching a weight of 77kg at the time. This represents a gain of approximately 17kg compared to his lowest weight.

For an actor, weight changes represent more than just aesthetic management. In front of the camera, the body becomes part of the character, and altering one's physique for a specific role is a vital part of acting preparation. Ahn is a prime example of how a change triggered by professional demands can transition into a personal lifestyle through repetitive exercise and dietary control.

In fact, Ahn has moved beyond simply gaining weight toward managing muscle mass and body shape. Last July, after increasing his weight from 60kg to 77kg, he shared his honest concerns about his body along with his desire to perform on the WATERBOMB stage.

The image that once defined Ahn was a sharp, pale look often described as "fragile beauty." As a former model, he built a unique presence using his long limbs and slim physique, imprinting his image through sophisticated characters in dramas such as "My Love from the Star," "Blood," "Cinderella with Four Knights," and "The Beauty Inside."

However, his physical image is undergoing a major evolution. He is moving away from his "slim handsome man" persona toward a more solid impression by combining strength training, diet, and sobriety.

His personal history is also linked to his changing public image. Ahn married actress Koo Hye-sun in 2016 and divorced in 2020. Since then, he has been relatively candid about his life living alone and his personal tastes through variety shows and YouTube. Recently, he has continued to reveal his non-acting side to the public by sharing his private living space and habits on MBC's "Home Alone."

This YouTube comeback is an extension of that transparency. Starting Season 2, he set a new goal: earning the Silver Button, which is awarded to YouTube channels reaching 100,000 subscribers. Currently, his channel has approximately 70,000 subscribers, and he expressed his determination to treat his YouTube activities as a long-term project alongside his fitness journey.

Ultimately, the focus of his recent update is not just the number "1,000 crunches." It is the fact that a body temporarily changed for a role is being reshaped into a new lifestyle through consistent habits. The industry is watching closely as the actor once known for his "fragile beauty" actively redesigns his physique to create a brand-new image.