Legendary K-Drama Actress In Her 40s Reveals Her Secret to Staying Fit

n an industry where extreme diets are often the norm, actress Bae Doo Na is taking a refreshingly healthy and honest approach to body management. On the May 13, 2025, episode of SBS PowerFM’s Park Ha Sun’s CineTown, the Virus lead opened up about her personal wellness philosophy — and it’s far from what most would expect from a veteran actress in her mid-40s.

While many celebrities turn to restrictive diets to stay slim for roles, Bae Doo Na says her focus is firmly on sustainable health, not chasing a size. The 45-year-old actress recalled a time when she stuck to an intense diet regimen while training for a film. Although she was physically active, her nutrition suffered — relying heavily on protein while neglecting overall nourishment.

“For me, it’s exercise over diet. At our age, strict dieting can do more harm than good. Back then, I wasn’t replenishing my body properly. Eventually, I injured my back, and the headaches were terrible. It made me realize — this kind of extreme approach might work when you’re younger, but it’s not worth it in the long run.”

Instead of forcing her body into an unhealthy cycle, Bae Doo Na has chosen a different path: respecting her body’s needs and listening to it. And her secret tip? Walking — a lot.

“I don’t see the point in being skinny just for the sake of it. I decided I’d rather walk more and live in a way that fits my age. Now, I walk 10,000 steps a day, and I eat and live like a normal person.”

At a time when the pressure to look a certain way can push actors toward unsustainable habits, Bae Doona’s grounded approach stands out. She proves that consistency, movement, and balance might just be the real “celebrity secret” to long-term health and beauty.