Did Director Ryoo Seung-wan Just Call Out Park Jung-min’s ‘Sal-keu-eop’?! The ‘Humint’ Press Conference Was WILD 🎬

Seoul is buzzing after a candid confession from visionary director Ryoo Seung-wan about actor Park Jung-min‘s previous transformation, making waves at the recent production briefing for their highly anticipated new film, ‘Humint’. It’s not every day a director openly admits an actor’s appearance for a past role was ‘unpleasant to look at,’ but that’s exactly what went down when Ryoo Seung-wan shared insights into Park Jung-min‘s physical journey.

The buzzworthy comments came during the ‘Humint’ production briefing held on January 12, 2026, at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University Branch in Seoul, where stars Jo In-sung, Park Jung-min, Park Hae-joon, and Shin Se-kyung joined the acclaimed director.

The upcoming espionage thriller, ‘Humint,’ plunges audiences into the chilling narrative of secrets and truths submerged in the icy waters of Vladivostok, where characters with clashing objectives face off. For his role as Park Geon, a key figure in North Korea’s State Security Department, Park Jung-min reportedly underwent a significant weight loss transformation. This current slim-down contrasts sharply with his previous collaboration with director Ryoo Seung-wan in the 2023 hit, ‘Smugglers.’

During the production briefing, Ryoo Seung-wan recounted a memorable moment from the ‘Smugglers’ era. ‘For ‘Smugglers,’ I wanted Park Jung-min to embody the physique of a real fisherman, requesting a bulk-up,’ the director explained. ‘However, before achieving the desired muscle, he underwent what we call ‘sal-keu-eop’ – gaining a noticeable amount of fat. During a costume fitting, seeing him, I distinctly remember thinking it was truly ‘unpleasant to look at.’ It was a completely new side of him.’ Fellow cast member Jo In-sung playfully chimed in, clarifying, ‘He saw Park Jung-min‘s stomach!’

The director further elaborated on Park Jung-min‘s cheeky response to the comment. ‘I asked him, ‘Are you really okay with this?’ and he casually replied, ‘I love it. I don’t have to lose weight!’ However, there was a specific weight loss target we had originally discussed. This time, for ‘Humint,’ that target was reignited and amplified, resulting in his current impressive physique.’

Indeed, Park Jung-min‘s transformation didn’t go unnoticed by his co-stars. Jo In-sung, a renowned visual himself, enthusiastically endorsed the change. ‘I fully acknowledge Park Jung-min‘s visual. It seems it’s time to pass on the visual title,’ he quipped, adding, ‘Park Jung-min is the next-generation visual actor who will follow in our footsteps.’ This high praise sets the stage for what promises to be a captivating performance from the versatile actor.

Fans won’t have to wait long to witness Park Jung-min‘s latest cinematic evolution, as ‘Humint’ is slated to hit theaters on February 11, 2026. Get ready for an intense ride!

Honestly, Director Ryoo Seung-wan’s unfiltered honesty is totally iconic! 🤣 And Park Jung-min’s dedication to embodying every role, from ‘sal-keu-eop’ to total transformation, is just next-level inspiring. ✨

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Editor: Mia Kang 🌈